Grand Mesa

Start your day early and finish your day early. Lower elevation slopes below about 10,500 feet will be the most hazardous, where the snow is wet and punchy to the ground. Be careful where you find wet snow below the treeline in steep terrain with gullies or creeks below. Carefully plan your day to account for returning to the trailhead once the snow has softened. If you find yourself sinking into wet snow past your ankles, head to lower-angle or shady slopes. 

Look for small drifts of firm snow in areas that pick up new snow. These drifts could be problematic in extreme terrain where a small avalanche could be dangerous. Cornices guard many easterly slopes. Avoid being on or under these giant chunks of ice that could break off without warning!