Avalanche forecast

Northern San Juan

Colorado Avalanche Information Center
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Avalanche danger

Fri
Sat
Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
3 · Considerable
Below
2 · Moderate
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Out of date — this forecast expired last year. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Avalanche problems

  • Storm Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Likely
    Size
    1–2

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    2–3

Avalanche Summary

An Avalanche Watch is in effect for the northern San Juan Mountains. HIGH (4 of 5) avalanche danger will develop late Thursday and last into Friday as a potent storm brings strong winds and heavy snowfall.

You can trigger an avalanche where new snow has formed cohesive slabs over weak layers. Avalanches could be larger where winds have drifted snow into deeper slabs on lee slopes. Avoid steep slopes where you observe 8 inches or more of drifted snow. Cracking in the snow surface, collapsing, or avalanches on similar slopes are obvious signs of instability and a good indication of areas to avoid.

On west-to-northwest through east-facing slopes, avalanches in the new snow could step down, triggering a slide that could break deeper and wider.

You can find safer travel on slopes less than 30 degrees and areas protected from the wind.

Regions covered