Southern San Juan

Avalanche conditions are generally safe, but there are a few hazards to consider. Use caution on steep, high-elevation slopes where wind-drifted slabs sit above softer snow layers. Small slides that knock you over and take you for a ride can have high consequences in extreme or complex terrain. If you trigger a slide near the surface, there is an outside chance it could step down into deeper weak snow layers resulting in a larger, more dangerous avalanche. At lower elevations, watch for wet snow sluffing from steep, rocky terrain in the afternoon and avoid traveling across slopes above terrain traps like cliffs, gullies, or creek beds.