Northern San Juan

You can trigger an avalanche in shallow slabs of recently wind-drifted snow directly below ridgelines and in cross-loaded terrain. The most dangerous slopes face the north half of the compass where drifted snow sits above shallow, buried weak layers. On these slopes, avalanches that fail in the upper snowpack could possibly step down into deeper weak layers, creating a larger and more dangerous avalanche.

Look for and avoid wind-loaded leeward slopes that face northwest through north to east above treeline. Recent strong winds also built large overhanging cornices along ridgelines. Give cornices a wide berth as they can break further back than you expect.

Blue skies and warm temperatures increase the chances of small wet snow avalanches on sunny slopes. Loose wet avalanches often release below rocks or cliffs and gain mass as they move downhill. Avoid steep, sunny, snow-covered slopes during the heat of the day.