Northern San Juan

Wind-loaded slopes and terrain features above treeline are the most problematic. This is where strong winds created varying thickness of drifted slabs above weak, collapsible snow layers. Small, shallow avalanches may break deeper where weak snow is closer to the surface – slab margins, near exposed rocks and trees, and on steep rollovers. Avalanches on slopes with less than 3 feet of snow could take the entire season’s snowpack with it, and those slides will be larger. Safer travel options exists below treeline, and move to lower angle slopes if you see cracking in the snow – especially if the snow surface looks smooth and rounded.