Southern San Juan

Avalanche conditions are generally safe. If you were to trigger an avalanche, it would be in previously wind-drifted snow on steep northerly and east-facing slopes. Wind-drifted snow often feels stiff and sounds hollow. Cracking in the new snow is a sign of instability. Slopes protected from the wind offer safer and more enjoyable backcountry travel.

Your chances of triggering loose avalanches increase as the snowpack continues to deteriorate. To avoid this issue, steer clear of steep near and below treeline slopes that are fully cohesionless.