Southern San Juan

Thick, dangerous slabs of cohesive snow exist on most slopes at upper elevations. Avalanches can break in the recent storm snow or they can step down into deeper weak snow layers on west through north, to southeast-facing slopes. You might trigger an avalanche from a long distance away or below a slope if you find a spot where the snowpack is thin near exposed rocks, on the backside of steep rollovers, or below cliff bands. Avalanches triggered in a deeper, wind-drifted area could grow much wider and run much farther than you anticipate – resulting in a deadly avalanche. If you see shooting cracks or hear audible collapses, move to slopes around 30 degrees without steeper terrain overhead for safer travel options.