Northern San Juan

Strong, gusty winds drift new and old snow at all elevations. You can trigger an avalanche where drifted snow forms cohesive slabs on steep slopes. Shooting cracks and hard-feeling snow underfoot or machine indicate you have found a slab of drifted snow.

You could also trigger an avalanche on buried weak layers 1-3 feet deep. The most dangerous slopes are where new winds drift snow above these shallow buried weak layers.

Additionally, watch out for overhanging cornices. They can break further back than expected and chunks of cornice falling on a slope may trigger a larger avalanche.