Northern San Juan

You can trigger an avalanche on steep slopes at all elevations where the recent snow has settled or drifted into a cohesive slab. The most dangerous slopes are near and above treeline and face southwest to north through southeast. In these areas, more snowfall and westerly winds on Monday night and Tuesday continue drifting snow, building slabs, and stiffening slopes, making it easier for you to trigger avalanches. Below treeline, avalanches may be easier to trigger and smaller in size.

Approach steep slopes carefully and know what slopes are above you, as avalanches may break broader and deeper than expected. Cracking, collapsing, and recent avalanche activity all point to stepping back and sticking to slopes less than 30 degrees in steepness.