Southern San Juan

Slopes with around 8 inches of new snow will be the most problematic, and could produce a dangerous slide. The sensitivity of the storm snow may vary depending on the type of old snow surface below – melt-freeze crust, hard wind-board, or cohesionless snow. An avalanche triggered above a firm, planar surface has the best chance to break wider than you expect. If you find exceptionally weak, cohesionless snow below the new snow, keep an eye out for fast-moving sluffs that can knock you off your feet. Steer clear of slopes steeper than about 30 degrees if you see cracking in the snow or find evidence of drifting like smooth, lens-shaped pillows.