Northern San Juan

An Avalanche Watch is in effect for the La Garita Mountains, and areas surrounding Slumgullion Pass, Lake City, and Creede. Very dangerous avalanche conditions develop by midday Saturday and last through Sunday. Natural and human-triggered avalanches are very likely. You may see avalanches in low-elevation areas with continuous snow cover. Travel in avalanche terrain is not recommended during this period.

The most problematic slopes are near and above treeline, where you find stiff, cohesive slabs of snow above softer snow layers. Avalanches on slopes facing west through north to east could break on weak layers several feet deep or at the bottom of the snowpack. Look for and avoid areas beneath ridgelines or cornices, and on steep sidewalls of gullies where you find evidence of drifting like lens-shaped pillows of snow or a hard, sculpted snow surface. If you see cracking in the snow or signs of recent avalanches, stick to wind-sheltered slopes lower in the terrain to help reduce your chances of being caught in an avalanche.