Southern San Juan

You can trigger a dangerous avalanche where recent storm snows drifted into cohesive slabs. Look for stiff slabs in unusual places even below the treeline where you do not typically encounter drifted snow. Avalanches in the upper snowpack could break into weaker snow layers several feet deep on slopes facing west through north to east.

Fresh cornices, rounded pillows of snow, or sculpted snow surfaces are evidence of suspect slopes. Sheltered slopes less than about thirty degrees without steep terrain overhead provide safer options.

On Saturday, two backcountry skiers triggered were killed in an avalanche near Vallecito Reservoir. You can read the preliminary report here. Our deepest condolences go out to the family and friends of the people involved in this tragic accident. Search and rescue operations remain underway for a missing snowmobiler near La Manga Pass. You can read this preliminary report here.