Southern San Juan

The most problematic slopes are northerly and east-facing near and above treeline where a cohesive slab of snow sits on top of very weak snow near the ground. An avalanche triggered in a wind-drifted area may break wider across the slope and deeper than you expect. The most dangerous spots look filled-in, rounded, or pillow-shaped below ridgelines and in gullies. Take note of recent avalanche activity and signs of unstable snow like cracking and audible collapses, as an indicator of which slopes to avoid. Safer travel options exist on southerly-facing terrain or slopes less than about 30 degrees in steepness.