Northern San Juan

You can trigger a large, dangerous avalanche on northerly and easterly-facing slopes near and above treeline. On these slopes, cohesive slabs of snow lie above weak snow layers mid-pack and near the ground. Avoid areas over 30 degrees where you observe eight inches or more of new or drifted snow and where the snow surface feels stiff, smooth, or pillow-like. Shallow areas near exposed rocks, on the backside of steep rollovers, and below cliffs are common spots to trigger an avalanche. If you observe cracking collapsing or recent avalanches, move to a different aspect or stick to slopes less than 30 degrees steep.

Areas between Red Mountain Pass and Ironton and drainages around the town of Ophir picked up greater snow totals for the last storm and triggered avalanches in this area, which will be larger and more dangerous.