Persistent Slabs
N
NE
E
SE
S
SW
W
NW
- Alpine
- Treeline
- Below treeline
- Likelihood
- Possible
- Size
- 1–2
Avalanche forecast
View on mapNorthern San Juan
Colorado Avalanche Information Center
Avalanche danger
Fri
Sat
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
2 · Moderate
Out of date — this forecast expired 2 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.
Avalanche problems
Avalanche Summary
You can trigger a large and dangerous avalanche if you find a shallow spot and collapse a hard layer of snow that rests above weaker snow below. West to northwest through southeast-facing slopes are the most dangerous. Avoid traveling near common trigger points, such as convex rollovers, rocky outcrops, or the edges of slopes where the margins of a slab are thinnest. If you trigger an avalanche, it could be deeper and wider than expected.
Give yourself a wide buffer from suspect slopes steeper than around 35 degrees. Tracks on a slope do not indicate stable conditions. You can trigger an avalanche from a distance or below.
On Tuesday, January 7, a backcountry skier was caught and killed in an avalanche on Red Mountain Number 3, near Red Mountain Pass. The avalanche was triggered on a wind-drifted northwest-facing slope near treeline. Our deepest condolences to the deceased skier's family, friends, and community. You can read the preliminary accident report here.