Northern San Juan

You could trigger an avalanche where new snow and gusty winds from the last storm formed slabs over weak snow on steep shady slopes near and above treeline. The most concerning areas are where old, stiff, wind-drifted snow sits above weak snow near the ground, as this is the layer that has been producing remote triggers and avalanches that are now large enough to bury or injure a person.

If you're traveling near and above treeline, probe with a pole or dig down into the snowpack to investigate for this setup. If you find this slab over weak layer configuration, or experience any cracking or collapsing underneath you, then steer clear of steep slopes that tilt towards the north half of the compass and instead, head for less steep slopes or a different aspect.