Northern San Juan

Strong winds are drifting snow into shallow slabs onto north through east to south-facing slopes at upper elevations. Steer around wind-drifted areas with a smooth, rounded snow surface below ridgelines and in gullies where even a small slide could push you somewhere you don’t want to go. If the snow feels hard underfoot or you observe cracking in the snow choose an alternative route.

Triggering an avalanche in weak snow layers below a stiff slab becomes more difficult with each passing day, but if you do, the consequences remain serious. It is easier to impact weaker snow below and trigger a large avalanche where the snowpack is thin near exposed rocks, on the backside of steep rollovers, or below cliff bands. Safer riding options are found in wind-sheltered areas around 30 degrees in steepness.