Persistent Slabs
N
NE
E
SE
S
SW
W
NW
- Alpine
- Treeline
- Below treeline
- Likelihood
- Likely
- Size
- 1.5–2.5
Avalanche forecast
View on mapSouthern San Juan
Colorado Avalanche Information Center
Avalanche danger
Sat
Sun
Alpine
4 · High
Treeline
4 · High
Below
4 · High
Out of date — this forecast expired 2 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.
Avalanche problems
Storm Slabs
NNEESESSWWNW- Alpine
- Treeline
- Below treeline
- Likelihood
- Very Likely
- Size
- 1.5–2.5
Avalanche Summary
An Avalanche Warning is in effect for much of the San Juan mountains. Heavy snow and strong winds will create very dangerous avalanche conditions starting Thursday night and lasting through Saturday. Travel in avalanche terrain is not recommended during this time.
You can easily trigger an avalanche where you find new snow forming a cohesive slab on steep slopes at all elevations. A powerful winter storm brings heavy snowfall and strong southwesterly winds. Avalanche danger will rise rapidly as new snow accumulates. You’re most likely to trigger an avalanche in the new snow where you find 10 inches or more of new snow forming a slab. Look for signs of storm snow instabilities, such as small natural avalanches on steep roadbanks or cracking in the new snow. As the new snow load increases, so do your chances of triggering a larger, more dangerous avalanche that breaks deeper in the snowpack on old, buried weak layers. Anticipate dangerous and dynamic avalanche conditions on Friday and through the weekend.
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