Avalanche forecast

Northern San Juan

Colorado Avalanche Information Center
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Avalanche danger

Thu
Fri
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low
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Out of date — this forecast expired 2 years ago.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
    1–2

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Likely
    Size
    1–1.5

Avalanche Summary

You could trigger an avalanche on steep slopes at upper elevations where a cohesive slab of snow sits above older, weaker snow. You are more likely to cause an avalanche if you find the shallow spot in the slab, like near exposed rocks and on steep convex rolls.

You could also trigger an avalanche in recently wind-drifted snow above treeline. The most dangerous slopes are where new snow and westerly wind formed isolated drifts up to a foot deep on leeward slopes below ridgelines. Look for cracking in drifted snow as an indicator to move to wind-sheltered lower-angle slopes.

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