Avalanche forecast

Southern San Juan

Colorado Avalanche Information Center
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Avalanche danger

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Out of date — this forecast expired 3 years ago.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

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Likely
    Size
    1–2

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    2–2.5

  • Loose Wet

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Likely
    Size
    1–2

Avalanche Summary

The most dangerous areas are wind-loaded slopes. Southwest winds drifted the new snow into thicker slabs on northerly and easterly-facing slopes. Strong and erratic winds built dangerous drifts lower in the terrain than usual, and on wide open slopes below the treeline. Avalanches in the new snow could break into weaker snow layers three to four feet deep on slopes facing west through north to east. Avoid areas where you see evidence of recent wind drifting such as fresh cornices, rounded pillows of snow, or a hard, sculpted snow surface. If you experience cracking or collapsing, retreat to slopes around 30 degrees that are sheltered from the wind.

With a plethora of fresh snow on sunny slopes, Saturday’s warm-up may trigger a shed cycle of the new snow from east through south to west-facing slopes during the day. Traveling on steeper slopes with about 8 inches of wet snow increases your chance to trigger a loose avalanche. Move to less steep slopes if you sink past your shins into wet snow or see fresh rollerball activity.

Regions covered