Northern San Juan

A Special Avalanche Advisory is in effect for areas of the San Juan Mountains. New snow and winds through the holiday weekend will create dangerous avalanche conditions developing Saturday afternoon through Monday. Avalanche conditions will be more dangerous than we’ve experienced in weeks. Adjust your weekend plans accordingly, and check the forecast frequently for changing conditions.

You can easily trigger an avalanche in the new storm snow. Avalanches will be largest where stiff slabs sit above buried weak layers. Signs of recent avalanches, audible collapsing, and cracking on the snow surface are indicators of unstable snow and clear signs to move to lower-angle terrain. Slopes less than 30 degrees without steep slopes overhead offer safer travel options.