Grand Mesa

You can trigger an avalanche in wind-drifted snow on the lee sides of a ridgeline near the top of a slope. Wind-drifted snow often has a smooth, wave-like surface appearance and you will experience a hard, hollow feeling to the snow if you are traveling across it. These more dangerous slopes are mostly on north, northeast, and east-facing slopes. Identify and avoid wind-drifted snow on slopes steeper than about 35 degrees to reduce your chances of triggering an avalanche.

You can also trigger a smaller wet avalanche on sunny slopes as the sun heats up the snow surface. Avoid sustained steep slopes or slopes with terrain traps such as a cliff or creek below you once you notice the snow surface getting wet.