Southern San Juan

Cautiously approach northerly and east-facing slopes steeper than about 30 degrees near and above treeline. On those slopes, cohesive slabs of snow rests on top of weak snow layers near the ground. Avalanches that break in weak snow grains one to two feet deep could grow large enough to bury or injure you. Shooting cracks and audible collapses are indicators of unstable snow below you. Southerly-facing slopes, areas sheltered from the wind, and lower-angled slopes without overhead hazards offer safer travel options.