Southern San Juan

It’s getting harder to trigger a large avalanche with each passing day, but not impossible. If you find the shallow area of the slope, you could trigger a large avalanche – especially on slopes steeper than about 35 degrees. Common trigger spots exists near rock outcroppings, on steep rollovers, and beneath ridges and cliffs. Avalanches on previously drifted slopes can break wider and deeper producing a more dangerous slide. Proceed with caution if you notice the snow surface transition from soft to stiff, or where you see a smooth, rounded snow surface.

The snowpack is deeper and stronger near Wolf Creek and Cumbres Passes, but shallower north of the Continental Divide. If you plan to recreate in the mountains near the town of Creede, you are likely to find a shallower snowpack, and where it may be easier to impact weak snow layers. You can find safer riding options below treeline or on lower-angled, wind-sheltered slopes without steeper, overhead hazards.