Northern San Juan

You can trigger an avalanche if you find a shallow spot on a slope steeper than around 35 degrees. Most avalanche activity is reported on northerly and easterly-facing slopes where a cohesive slab sits over weak, sugary snow. Near and above treeline slopes are the most dangerous.

Obvious signs of instability, like cracking or collapsing, are few and far between, but don't let a lack of these unstable signs trick you into thinking a slope is safe. If you travel in steeper terrain, pick smooth, planar slopes and avoid common trigger points like convex rollovers or shallow spots near rocky outcrops. You can find safer riding options below treeline, on southerly slopes, and slopes less than about 35 degrees in steepness.