Avalanche forecast

Northern San Juan

Colorado Avalanche Information Center
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Avalanche danger

Sun
Mon
Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
2 · Moderate
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Out of date — this forecast expired 3 years ago. 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
    1–2

Avalanche Summary

A Special Avalanche Advisory is in effect for areas surrounding Telluride, Ophir, and Lizard Head and Red Mountain Passes. Friday night a storm brings heavy snowfall. Dangerous avalanche conditions will develop by Saturday morning and last through the weekend. You can easily trigger a large and dangerous avalanche at all elevations.

Fresh slabs of snow on top of a weak, problematic snowpack increases your chance to trigger a dangerous avalanche. Avalanches triggered in the storm snow could break into weak snow layers at the ground on slopes facing west through north to southeast. Avalanches triggered in a wind-drifted area could break wider than you expect and be more challenging to escape. Avoid slopes steeper than about 30 degrees with around 8 inches of new snow, and without steep terrain above you. Heed the warning signs of cracking and collapsing, and stick to southerly-facing slopes below treeline for safer travel option.

Regions covered