Southern San Juan

It is getting harder to trigger a large and dangerous avalanche with each passing day. Near treeline, your chance to trigger an avalanche is higher. This is where thick slabs are more continuous. These slabs rest above weaker, collapsible snow layers. To minimize your risk of avalanches avoid very steep slopes at this elevation band, especially where these slopes end in a gully or other terrain trap.

Also watch for cohesionless snow on sheltered, northerly, continuously steep slopes. Fast-moving sluffs can take you off your feet and somewhere you don't want to go.