Southern San Juan

Triggering an avalanche in deeply buried weak snow layers 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. Be wary of wind-drifted areas with a smooth, rounded snow surface below ridgelines and in gullies where even a small slide can push you somewhere you don’t want to go. If the snow surface feels hard underfoot or you observe cracking in the snow choose an alternative route. Safer riding options are found at lower elevations and in wind-sheltered areas around 30 degrees in steepness.