Southern San Juan

New snow and strong winds are driving the elevated avalanche danger. You can trigger a large and dangerous avalanche where you find more than about 8 inches of new wind-drifted snow. Strong winds have drifted snow, cross-loading terrain features at all elevations. Wind-drifted snow often feels stiff or has a smooth lense-like appearance. Expect new snow depth to vary significantly across slopes and terrain features.

An avalanche triggered in the new storm snow may step down to buried weak layers creating a larger and more dangerous avalanche. Wind-sheltered lower-angle terrain without steep slopes overhead offers safer travel options.