Avalanche forecast

Northern San Juan

Colorado Avalanche Information Center
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Avalanche danger

Thu
Fri
Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
3 · Considerable
Below
2 · Moderate
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Out of date — this forecast expired 2 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Avalanche problems

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1.5–2.5

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Likely
    Size
    1–2

Avalanche Summary

Strong winds and new snow are driving the elevated avalanche danger. You can trigger a large and dangerous avalanche where you find more than about 8 inches of wind-drifted snow. These avalanches could step down to buried weak layers. Strong winds have moved snow and cross-loaded terrain features at all elevations. Expect the depth of newly drifted snow to vary significantly across slopes and terrain features. Wind-drifted snow often feels stiff or has a smooth, lense-like appearance.

You could also trigger an avalanche in deeper buried weak layers where you find a shallow area of the snowpack. Common trigger spots exist near rock outcroppings, on steep rollovers, and beneath ridges and cliffs.

Wind-sheltered lower-angle terrain without steep slopes overhead offers safer travel options.

Regions covered