Northern San Juan

Consecutive nights of weak or non-freezing temperatures keep the avalanche danger elevated near and below the treeline. To limit exposure, start and end your day early. If you sink into wet snow deeper than your boot tops, it is time to exit the mountains. As you descend in elevation, remember temperatures are warmer, and snow will become wet and cohesionless more quickly. Pay attention to the surface snow as you descend and stay out from under steep slopes. Even a small avalanche can have a dangerous outcome if triggered in consequential terrain above cliffs or exposed rocks.