Southern San Juan

You can trigger an avalanche that breaks in old snow near the ground on northerly-facing slopes at upper elevations. Slopes with deeper or continuous snow cover can produce larger and more dangerous avalanches. The most concerning spots are adjacent to ridgelines, in cross-loaded gullies, or on concave slopes. Smooth, rounded pillows of snow identify wind-drifted areas and may sound hollow as you move over them. If you observe cracking in the snow surface or hear audible collapses, stick to lower-angled terrain or southerly-facing slopes for safer travel options.