Northern San Juan

You can trigger an avalanche in wind-drifted snow which breaks into a deeper, more dangerous slide. Recent cornice growth or smooth lens-like features are good indicators of slopes where you can more easily trigger an avalanche. You can trigger avalanches from the bottom of slopes, so give steep terrain above you a wide berth, and be mindful of other parties nearby. It is becoming more difficult to trigger avalanches, but the consequences remain serious. Wind-sheltered areas and slopes less than about thirty degrees provide safer options.