Northern San Juan

Strong winds continue to drift snow across terrain features at upper elevations. The recent wind has created multiple weak layers in the upper snowpack. Drifted areas that face northerly and easterly are more likely to carry thicker slabs near the surface. You are more likely to impact these slabs and trigger an avalanche on slab margins. Slab margins exist near exposed rocks, on steep rollovers, and beneath ridges and cliffs. Suspect areas may have a smooth lense-like appearance or sound hollow and feel stiff.

You can find safer travel options on low-angled slopes sheltered from the wind without steep hazards above.