Avalanche forecast

Northern San Juan

Colorado Avalanche Information Center
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Avalanche danger

Sat
Sun
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low
Out of date — this forecast expired 3 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Avalanche problems

  • Persistent Slabs

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

Avalanche Summary

A potent winter storm is entering Colorado on a southwest flow. Snow starts Friday morning, with ten to sixteen inches forecast by Saturday. Avalanche danger, sensitivity, and the size of the avalanche you can trigger will increase throughout the storm. Near and above treeline, northerly-facing slopes that harbor old snow are the most dangerous places for you to trigger avalanches. Cracking and collapsing are obvious signs of instability and likely indicate you are on a slope where old/weak snow sits above the ground. If you trigger an avalanche, it might not be able to bury you but would lead to a dangerous ride through shallowly buried obstacles.

Sticking to slopes that didn't have snow before this storm or slopes less than about 32 degrees is a good way to keep yourself safe from avalanches.

Regions covered