Northern San Juan

You can trigger a large and dangerous avalanche in the new storm snow. Snowfall will continue to accumulate in pulses into the weekend. Southeast winds increase Friday, drifting snow at upper elevations. Pay attention to changing conditions as winds, timing, and amount of snowfall vary across the forecast area. The most dangerous slopes will have more than about 10 inches of new snow. Move to a lower angle slope if you observe signs of instability like recent avalanches or cracking in the new storm snow.

New snow loads will test buried weak layers 2-3 feet deep, and avalanches may grow in size and break across terrain features as snow accumulates. This is most likely on slopes that face northerly or easterly in areas with a shallow snowpack. Common trigger spots include exposed rocks and below ridges and cliffs.