Northern San Juan

You can trigger an avalanche where you find areas of wind-drifted snow above weak early-season snow near the ground. Northerly and easterly-facing slopes at higher elevations are most concerning. Drifted snow will feel stiff and have rounded, smooth, and pillow-like features.

You can trigger an avalanche from a distance and from below so be aware of steeper slopes overhead. You can find safer travel options at lower elevations, on wind-sheltered slopes less than 30 degrees, and slopes without overhead hazards.