Southern San Juan

New snow and very strong southwesterly winds on Tuesday will form fresh wind slabs at upper elevations. The most dangerous slopes face northwest through north to east, where winds load new snow onto leeward slopes. You could trigger avalanches in pockets of wind-drifted snow, especially below ridgelines and in cross-loaded gullies. Also be on guard for wind-stiffened snow lower in terrain on open slopes near treeline. Look for cracking as a sign that the new snow is stiff enough to avalanche, and for safer travel, head to wind-sheltered terrain.

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