Southern San Juan

Recent winds built thicker, dense slabs over an incredibly weak snowpack where you can trigger an avalanche. The most concerning areas exist below ridgelines or sidewalls of gullies or couloirs on slopes that face north, northeast, and east-facing slopes near and above treeline. Look for signs of fresh drifting such as smooth, lens-shaped pillows of snow or small cornices to identify areas of potential danger. Steer around slopes steeper than about 30 degrees if you see shooting cracks or hear rumbling collapses. Most avalanches will be small but could grow large enough to knock you down and send you for a dangerous ride.