Northern San Juan

You could trigger avalanches at upper elevations where cohesive slabs of wind-drifted snow sit on top of weak snow below. The most dangerous slopes are where winds have drifted snow into thick, stiff slabs above treeline, especially on northeast and east-facing slopes. Look for and avoid these wind-drifted pockets below ridgelines and in concave terrain features like gullies. Drifted snow may feel firm, sound hollow, or crack under your weight. You can find safer travel options in areas sheltered from the wind or on slopes less than about 35 degrees in steepness.