Northern San Juan

Strong west-southwest winds will continue forming stiff, drifted slabs over softer snow on leeward slopes and in cross-loaded gullies at upper elevations. It will be easier to trigger an avalanche on slopes around 35 degrees or steeper. Cautiously assess slopes with around 10 inches of wind-drifted snow before committing – especially where the snow surface looks smooth and rounded, or sounds hollow below your feet or machine. If you observe cracking in the snow, or the snow surface transitions from soft to stiff, stick to lower-angled slopes sheltered from the wind. Even a small, isolated avalanche can lead to a rough ride in the wrong terrain.

Avalanches that break in thin weaker layers one to two feet deep are less likely, but still a potential in shallower areas on steeper slopes. These low-probability avalanches can be more consequential if you get knocked off your feet in complex or extreme terrain. You’re more likely to encounter a shallower, overlying slab near rock outcrops, on steep rollovers, and in wind-exposed areas below ridges and cliffs.