Northern San Juan

The threat to trigger a wet snow avalanche increases during the day as the snow surface softens from ample sunshine and warming temperatures. It will be easier to initiate a wet snow slide on slopes around 35 degrees, and near and below treeline where overnight freezes are likely weaker. Long-running slides can entrain additional snow volume and make a dangerous pile of snow in gullies or creek bottoms. Avoid traveling on or below steep slopes if you see rollerballs, pinwheels, or sink past your shins into wet, rotten snow. If you plan to venture into the backcountry, start early and end early.