Northern San Juan

You may be able to trigger a small avalanche in wind-drifted snow on steep slopes above the treeline and on steep, lower-elevation slopes where the snowpack lacks cohesion. Any avalanche triggered will be small, but even a small avalanche can be dangerous in consequential terrain. Identify and avoid firm snow on steep slopes in the alpine, and prepare for loose avalanches on shady, steep, low-elevation slopes where the snowpack does not support your weight as you travel.