Northern San Juan

The most problematic areas are steeper northerly and east-facing slopes where you find a cohesive slab of snow above weaker snow layers. You may find deeper, wind-drifted areas that span adjacent terrain features on upper-elevation slopes. Most slides will break in recent storm layers, but some may break deeper producing a larger, more dangerous slide. Use caution traveling above terrain traps or cliff bands if you see evidence of recent drifting like smooth, rounded snow pillows. Lower-angled, wind-sheltered areas offer safer travel options.

Move off steep slopes once you sink past your ankles into wet snow. Loose avalanches will be easy to trigger on very steep slopes once the snow is that wet. The soggy snow will follow the sun from east to south to west, and up in elevation with the warming temperatures.

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