Southern San Juan

A Special Avalanche Advisory is in effect for the San Juan Mountains and La Plata Mountains. Feet of recent snow and strong winds have formed thick cohesive slabs above an unusually shallow and weak snowpack. Avalanche conditions will remain dangerous through the weekend. Careful planning and conservative terrain selection are essential for safe travel in backcountry avalanche terrain.

You can trigger an avalanche that fails on a buried weak layer over 4 feet deep in places. These avalanches will be large enough to bury or kill you. You may be able to trigger these avalanches from a distance or from below, and they can run long distances. Stick to slopes less than about 30 degrees that are not located beneath steep slopes for safer travel options.

In addition, keep an eye on steep sunny slopes. These could become wet and unstable as they warm throughout the day.