Northern San Juan

You could trigger an avalanche where winds drifted new snow onto lee slopes. Wind-drifted snow often feels stiff or has a wave or pillow-like appearance. Cracking in the snow is a sign of instability and an indicator to move to wind-sheltered lower-angle terrain.

Below treeline, the snowpack has become weak and cohesionless. You may trigger small loose avalanches on steep shallow slopes that have lost cohesion.