Avalanche forecast

Northern San Juan

Colorado Avalanche Information Center
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Avalanche danger

Thu
Fri
Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
2 · Moderate
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Out of date — this forecast expired 2 years ago.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
    1.5–2.5

  • Wind Slabs

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

  • Loose Wet

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

Avalanche Summary

You can trigger an avalanche on steep slopes at all elevations where recent snow has settled or drifted into a cohesive slab. The most dangerous slopes are above treeline and face northwest to north through southeast. Here, winds have drifted recent snow into deeper connected slabs, making larger avalanches more likely.

Below treeline, warm temperatures will heat recent snow. You could trigger a loose avalanche where you sink up to your boot top in moist snow. Watch overhead for loose avalanches that start from steep rocky areas and gain mass as they move downhill.

Avalanches may break broader and deeper than expected. Lower elevation slopes or slopes less than about 30 degrees in steepness offer safer travel options.

Regions covered