Southern San Juan

Strong winds drifting snow at upper elevations increases your chances of triggering an avalanche. Slopes steeper than 35 degrees, with 10 inches of drifted snow, should be assessed cautiously. Wind-loaded areas often look smooth or pillow-like. Adjust your travels if you notice the snow surface transition from soft to stiff or observe cracking in the snow surface. Safer travel options exist in areas protected from the wind and lower-angle slopes.

Sun in the afternoon will warm the dry snow on sunny slopes. You could trigger small avalanches in the warming snow.