Northern San Juan

Expect the avalanche danger to rise Sunday with the arrival of a winter storm that will bring wind and snow to the area. Wind-drifted snow at upper elevations is the main driver of the increase in avalanche hazard. You are more likely to trigger a larger and more dangerous avalanche on slopes that face west through north to east where fresh wind slabs rest over weak snow below.. You can find wind-drifted snow below ridgelines, around rock outcroppings, and on the sides of gullies. Look for smooth pillows of snow, cornices below ridgelines, cracking in the drifted snow, and fresh avalanches to indicate potential danger. Slopes less than about 30 degrees and below treeline terrain without steep slopes overhead offer safer travel options.