Northern San Juan

The slopes you could trigger an avalanche are steep and carry a stiff, connected slab of recently drifted snow. The more dangerous slopes face northeast and east in the alpine, where recent westerly winds drifted snow into thicker slabs.

Look for and avoid pillowy or lens-shaped drifts that feel stiff. Cracking in the snow is a sign of instability and an indication to avoid steep slopes.

Safer riding conditions can be found on wind-protected, lower-angle slopes.