Southern San Juan

An Avalanche Watch is in effect for the southern San Juan Mountains. Very dangerous avalanche conditions will develop by late Wednesday afternoon and continue through Thursday. Travel in avalanche terrain is not recommended during this time period.

For Tuesday, you are most likely to trigger a dangerous avalanche on upper-elevation slopes facing northwest through north to east where wind-drifted snow forms a stiff surface layer. Avoid slopes with evidence of recent wind-drifting, such as fresh cornice growth, smooth, lens-like pillows, or sculpted features. Retreat to more wind-sheltered slopes or less-steep terrain if you experience cracking in the surface snow. Below-treeline areas and slopes less than about thirty degrees provide safer options.