Northern San Juan

Dangerous avalanche conditions exists as strong winds drift the new snow into thicker slabs on northerly and easterly-facing slopes. Avalanches in the new snow can grow large enough to bury or injure you on slopes with around a foot of new snow. Triggering an avalanche in the new snow may break into weak snow layers near the ground producing a larger, more dangerous slide. Avoid areas beneath ridgelines and gullies where you see evidence of drifting such as fresh cornices, rounded pillows of snow, or where the snow surface is hard and sculpted. If you experience cracking or collapsing, retreat to slopes less than about 30 degrees that are sheltered from the wind.