Southern San Juan

You can trigger a large avalanche on upper-elevation slopes where westerly winds have drifted recent snow into thick slabs. Look for and avoid areas where you see active wind-drifting or evidence of drifted snow, such as slopes beneath cornices, gully features, or places where you encounter stiff snow or sculpted surfaces. Upper-elevation easterly slopes are the most dangerous areas. Any avalanche which you trigger on these wind-drifted easterly slopes could break into more deeply buried weak layers, becoming a more dangerous avalanche. Stick to slopes less than about 35 degrees or below-treeline areas for safer choices.

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