Northern San Juan

The most problematic slopes are northerly and easterly facing, steeper than about 35 degrees, and have a stiff slab over weak snow layers in the top meter of the snowpack. A thinner overlying slab increases your chance to impact weaker snow below – near exposed rocks or trees, on convex rollovers, and below ridgelines. Go around areas with a smooth, lens-shaped appearance, and adjust your travels if you see cracking in freshly drifted snow. Hedge your bets by continually assessing how conditions change, and remember, a smaller avalanche can still be dangerous if taken for a ride in complex terrain.