Northern San Juan

You could trigger an avalanche where recent storm snow has settled into a cohesive slab that sits above older, weaker snow. Avalanches are more likely in areas of drifted snow. You can find wind-drifted snow below ridges, on convex rollovers, and in cross-loaded terrain features. The most dangerous slopes are at upper elevations and face northwest to north through southeast.

Cracking and collapsing in recent snow are signs of instability and a good indication to move to lower-angle slopes.