Avalanche forecast

Northern San Juan

Jan 8 – 9, 2026Colorado Avalanche Information Center
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Archived · expired 9 months ago

Avalanche danger

Sat
Sun
Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low
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Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

  • Persistent Slabs

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

Avalanche Summary

You can trigger avalanches in fresh drifts of snow. The most dangerous slopes are at upper elevations, where you find 8 inches or more of drifted snow forming a slab. Look for and avoid fresh and firm lens-shaped drifts below ridgelines and cliffs, around rocky outcrops, and in gullies. Cracking in the snow surface is a sign that the new snow is stiffening and a good indication to avoid steep slopes.

Safer travel can be found at lower elevations out of the wind.

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