Southern San Juan

Avoid travel on and under slopes steeper than about 30 degrees. Thick, dangerous slabs of cohesive snow exist on most slopes in near and above treeline areas. If you trigger an avalanche in the surface snow, it can step down to deeper weak layers. You might trigger an avalanche from a long distance away or below a slope. If you trigger an avalanche in a wind-drifted area, it could grow much wider and run much farther than you anticipate. Stick to lower-angle terrain without steeper slopes above you. Seek out wind-sheltered below treeline areas for safer riding.