Northern San Juan

Strong winds have drifted new snow into slabs on leeward slopes. You can trigger a dangerous avalanche where you find more than about 8 inches of new wind-drifted snow. These avalanches could step down to buried weak layers. Wind-drifted snow often feels stiff or has a smooth, lense-like appearance. Expect new snow depth to vary significantly across slopes and terrain features and drifting on open slopes below treeline.

You could also trigger an avalanche in deeper buried weak layers where you find a shallow area of the snowpack. Common trigger spots exist near rock outcroppings, on steep rollovers, and beneath ridges and cliffs.

Wind-sheltered lower-angle terrain offers safer travel options.