The slab ingredient is still lacking for avalanches on Grand Mesa. The recent warm-up at the beginning of February resulted in a thin, intermittent layer of rounded grains near the surface. Aside from that the snowpack is composed of faceted grains. Current snow surfaces are not too concerning even on north-facing slopes here; however with the forecast wind and dense snow once a slab builds gouging avalanches are possible or maybe even step-downs to the December Drought Layer on smoother slopes.

Highway avalanche area

Cliffs avalanche area (near and above Cliffs #4)

There is low snow on Grand Mesa with about 111" recorded so far at the highway weather plot near Skyway. The snow depth where I looked was about 120cms and composed of faceted grains. The early February meltdown resulted in a thin layer of rounded grains near the surface but this layer varies in thickness and consistency across the terrain. In some shadier locations it is likely more composed of faceted grains. The early February meltdown also reduced the snow volume in the avalanche paths above SH65. Crowns from our one avalanche mitigation mission on 11/27/2024 are once again visible.

Overcast, cool and windy. With moderate wind from the southwest.