Southern San Juan

Strong winds driving snow-building slabs and cross-loading slopes increase your chance of triggering an avalanche. The most dangerous slopes are at upper elevations and steeper than about 35 degrees. Drifted pockets of snow often look smooth, rounded, or lense-like. Avoid steep slopes where you observe more than about 8 inches of drifted snow. Sometimes, drifted snow is soft; other times, it feels stiff and hollow. You can find safer travel options on low-angled slopes sheltered from the wind without steep hazards above.