Southern San Juan

Triggering a large, dangerous avalanche that breaks in deeply buried weak snow layers has become harder, but is not impossible. You can get into trouble if you find the shallow area of the slope where it is easier to impact weaker snow in the middle of the snowpack. Likely trigger spots exists near shallowly buried rocks, on steep rollovers, and below ridges and cliffs.

Westerly winds continue to drift snow above treeline, and form thicker slabs on leeward slopes. Use caution on steeper slopes if the snow surface transitions from soft to stiff, or in places with a rounded or wave-like appearance. An avalanche on a freshly drifted slope has the best potential to step down to deeper weak layers. Safer riding options exists below treeline, or on low-angled, wind-sheltered slopes without steep overhead hazard.