Northern San Juan

Wind-loaded slopes and terrain features near and above treeline are the most problematic. This is where winds drifted recent snowfall into varying thickness slabs above weak, collapsible snow layers. Avalanches in recent storm snow may break deeper where older, weak layers are closer to the surface – slab margins, near exposed rocks and trees, and on steep rollovers. Move to lower angle slopes if the snow surface gets stiffer, or you see cracking in the snow – especially if the snow surface looks smooth and rounded. Safer travel options exists below treeline.