Wind Slabs
N
NE
E
SE
S
SW
W
NW
- Alpine
- Treeline
- Below treeline
- Likelihood
- Possible
- Size
- 1–2
Avalanche forecast
View on mapNorthern San Juan
Colorado Avalanche Information Center
Avalanche danger
Fri
Sat
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low
Out of date — this forecast expired last year. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.
Avalanche problems
Persistent Slabs
NNEESESSWWNW- Alpine
- Treeline
- Below treeline
- Likelihood
- Unlikely
- Size
- 2–2.5
Avalanche Summary
Recent snow and strong winds form slabs at upper elevations. The most dangerous slopes face northwest to north through east, where winds form deeper slabs on lee slopes and in cross-loaded terrain. These slopes also carry weak layers that remain preserved in the snowpack. Although increasingly stubborn to trigger, recent observations indicate these weak layers can still be impacted by humans.
Look for cracking in the snow surface as a sign of instability. The most dangerous slopes will hold more than about 8 inches of wind-stiffened snow. For safer travel, seek out wind-sheltered terrain at lower elevations.