Grand Mesa

You can trigger an avalanche on steep slopes where strong winds are drifting snow. Avalanches in the new snow will be small but might step down into deeper layers. You might trigger a slide that breaks on these deeper layers from shallower snowpack areas like near rocks or trees. The most dangerous slopes face northwest to north through east. Though you may see cracking in the freshly drifted snow, you will not likely see signs of instability before a deeper slide breaks. Sticking to slopes less than about 30 degrees can keep you safer.