Northern San Juan

You can trigger large and dangerous avalanches. You may be able to trigger these avalanches from a distance or from below, and they can run long distances. The most dangerous slopes face northwest, north, northeast, which are slower to adjust and hold deeper and more connected slabs in the alpine.

Obvious signs of instability, like natural avalanches, audible collapses, and shooting cracks, are waning, but don't let your guard down. Conservative terrain selection is essential for safe travel in the backcountry. For safer travel, simply avoid avalanche terrain altogether, including runout zones, and stick to slopes less than about 30 degrees steep.