Southern San Juan

Dense new snow is adding stress to weak, collapsible snow layers 1 to 2 feet deep. The most dangerous slopes are steeper than about 30 degrees with around 10 inches of new snow. Avalanches triggered on a wind-loaded slopes can break wider than you expect, above you, and be more difficult to escape. Places where the snowpack is less than about three feet deep below cliffs, close to rock outcrops, and near ridgelines increase your chance to trigger a deeply breaking, more destructive slide. Make conservative terrain choices and place extra room between you and steeper slopes or large avalanche paths. Adjust your travels to low-angled slopes if you see signs of unstable snow like shooting cracks or audible collapses.