Avalanche forecast

Northern San Juan

Colorado Avalanche Information Center
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Avalanche danger

Wed
Thu
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low
Out of date — this forecast expired 9 months ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Avalanche problems

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–2
  • Wind Slabs

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

Avalanche Summary

You could trigger an avalanche where Sunday’s storm formed new slabs over weak snow on steep shady slopes near and above treeline. The most concerning spots are where you find old, stiff, wind-drifted snow sitting above weak snow near the ground, because this means you could trigger a larger avalanche that fails deeper in the snowpack. You could also trigger an avalanche from a distance. Move to lower-angled terrain or sunnier slopes if you experience any cracking or collapsing underneath you. 

A changing wind direction out of the north and west means you can also trigger small avalanches in freshly drifted snow near ridgelines and in cross-loaded gullies. Look for and avoid rippled snow surfaces and deeper drifts, especially around rock outcrops. 

Regions covered