Northern San Juan

You can trigger a large and dangerous avalanche where slabs of snow over a foot deep stress a weak and shallow snowpack. Avalanches will be largest where winds have drifted snow into stiff layers on west to north through east aspects. Look for and avoid slopes with a rounded lense or wave-like snow surface. Make conservative terrain choices as the snowpack adjusts to the recent snow and winds. Slopes less than about 30 degrees or below treeline terrain offer safer riding options.