Northern San Juan

You can trigger an avalanche large enough to bury or kill you on steep slopes where recent storm snows sit over weaker snow near the ground. Upper-elevation slopes facing west through north to east are most dangerous. Use caution anywhere you encounter more than about eight inches of storm snow, as even a small avalanche can push you into rocks or wash you through trees. Wind-sheltered terrain or slopes less than about thirty degrees with no steep terrain overhead provide safer options.