Northern San Juan

A weak and shallow snowpack is being stressed by additional storm snow making it easier to trigger a dangerous avalanche on most steep slopes. Avalanches in the new snow could step down to deeper weak layers. Avalanches will be largest on northerly and easterly-facing slopes, where winds form stiffer layers of drifted snow. Look for and avoid areas that look smooth and rounded. Make conservative terrain choices and stick to slopes around 30 degrees in steepness, without steeper slopes above for safest riding options.