Northern San Juan

New and drifted snow increases your chances of triggering an avalanche. Avoid steep slopes where you find over 8 inches of drifted snow sitting on a firm crust. Cracking in the snow surface is a sign that the new snow is stiffening, indicating that slopes 35 degrees and over should be avoided.

Avalanche hazard will be greatest in the part of the forecast area that receives over 10 inches of new snow from this storm. Pay attention to the amount of new snow that has fallen in the areas you travel, as this will help you understand the current new snow hazard.