Southern San Juan

Strong winds are drifting snow into thick, stiff slabs onto north through east to south-facing slopes at upper elevations. Avalanches may grow larger in size and break broader across the terrain on slopes where drifting is around eight inches deep or more. Steer around wind-drifted areas with a smooth, rounded snow surface below ridgelines and in gullies, and if the snow feels hard underfoot or you observe cracking in the snow choose an alternative route.

Triggering an avalanche in deeply buried weak snow layers becomes more difficult with each passing day, but if you do, the consequences remain serious. It is easier to impact weaker snow below and trigger a large avalanche where the snowpack is thin near exposed rocks, on the backside of steep rollovers, or below cliff bands. Safer riding options are found at lower elevations and in wind-sheltered areas around 30 degrees in steepness.