Avalanche forecast

Southern San Juan

Colorado Avalanche Information Center
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Avalanche danger

Tue
Wed
Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
2 · Moderate
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Out of date — this forecast expired 2 years ago.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
    2–3

  • Wind Slabs

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

  • Storm Slabs

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

Avalanche Summary

A large winter storm begins to impact the Southern Mountains on Monday lasting through Wednesday. Expect the avalanche danger to rise quickly as heavy snow and strong winds build dangerous slabs of snow, and overwhelm weak snow layers.

Wet, heavy snowfall on Monday will quickly build shallow slabs of snow on top of various old snow surfaces. Strong southwest winds will drift the new snow into thicker slabs on leeward slopes above treeline. Avalanches in the new snow could break deeper if triggered from a shallower area of the slope where older, weak snow layers are closer to the surface. Cracking in the snow surface is an indicator of unstable snow below you. Avoid steeper areas above treeline if you notice the snow surface transition from soft to stiff, or where you see smooth, rounded pillows of snow.

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