Southern San Juan

New snow and southwest winds will be forming fresh slabs on northerly and easterly-facing slopes at upper elevations. Triggering an avalanche may be easier where slabs form above a firm, slippery surface, or on slopes with about 8 inches of new snow. During the spring, elevation strongly influences how much new snow accumulates. Continually monitor snow totals as you move around the mountains, and adjust your travels if you see cracking in freshly drifted snow, or the snow surface gets stiffer. Evaluate the consequences of trigger a smaller, more isolated avalanche before stepping into bigger, more complex terrain.