Southern San Juan

Strong winds continue to build slabs and cross-load slopes at upper elevations. The recent wind and snow have created multiple weak layers in the upper snowpack. Drifted areas that face northerly and easterly are more likely to carry thicker slabs near the surface. You are more likely to impact these slabs and trigger an avalanche on slab margins. Slab margins exist near exposed rocks, on steep rollovers, and beneath ridges and cliffs. Suspect slopes may have a smooth lense-like appearance or sound hollow and feel stiff.

Dust at the start of the storm has created a slick surface under the recent snow. Watch for small loose wet avalanches out of rocky, steep terrain as the dust accelerates warming on solar aspects.