Southern San Juan

The most dangerous areas are wind-loaded slopes above the treeline. Steady northerly winds Thursday drifted the new snow into thick slabs on northeast through east to southwest-facing slopes. Avoid areas below ridgelines and in cross-loaded gullies with a rounded snow surface or where the snow feels hard underfoot. Avalanches in the new snow could break into weak, faceted snow two to three feet deep on slopes that face west through north to the east. Pay attention to the direction a slope faces and choose an alternative route on lower-angle slopes if you see cracking in the snow or hear rumbling collapses.

With ample sunshine and rapidly warming temperatures, watch for small loose avalanches from steep, rocky terrain by early afternoon and avoid traveling above terrain traps like cliffs, gullies, or creek beds.