Avalanche forecast

Northern San Juan

Colorado Avalanche Information Center
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Avalanche danger

Sat
Sun
Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
2 · Moderate
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Out of date — this forecast expired 4 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

  • Storm Slabs

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

Avalanche Summary

New snow and strong winds formed thick slabs of snow near and above treeline. Northerly-facing slopes with a thick layer of weaker snow below wind-drifted snow are the most dangerous, and where you can trigger a large avalanche. Triggering a slide from a deeper drift has the potential to break wider than you might expect. Avoid drifted areas that look smooth and fat below ridgelines, in gullies, or around rocky outcrops. Adjust your travels if you observe signs of unstable snow like surface cracking or hear audible collapses.

Despite snow depths below treeline being shallower and more variable so far this season, the snowpack may now be deep enough on steeper, shady slopes to trigger a smaller avalanche. To help reduce your avalanche risk, stick to lower-angled terrain or southerly-facing slopes.

Regions covered