Southern San Juan

New and drifting snow are stacking dangerous slabs of snow on top of a weak snowpack. Avalanches triggered near the surface can break into deeper weak snow layers on northerly and east-facing slopes, and will be the most dangerous. Avoid slopes steeper than about 30 degrees with more than 10 inches of fresh storm snow.

The chance to trigger an avalanche from a distance or below a slope increases during periods of heavy snowfall and wind-loading. Shooting cracks and audible collapses are indicators of unstable snow below you. Lower-angled slopes sheltered from the wind without overhead hazards offer safer travel options.