Southern San Juan

You could trigger a large and dangerous avalanche on most slopes steeper than 30 degrees-especially near treeline. Avalanches triggered from lower-angled terrain below steeper slopes or large avalanche paths could propagate uphill, creating a broader, more destructive slide. Wind-loaded, easterly-facing slopes have the deepest snowpack, and the largest avalanches observed on these aspects.

Adjust your travels to low-angled slopes if you observe cracking, hear audible collapses, or see recent avalanches on slopes similar to those you plan to ride. Smaller avalanches can become bigger problems if you get swept over a cliff, pushed through dense trees, or pushed into a terrain trap. Know what terrain is around you and give steep slopes a wide buffer.