Northern San Juan

You may be able to trigger small avalanches in recently wind-drifted snow on steep slopes above treeline. Recent strong westerly wind blew snow onto northerly and easterly slopes. Expect to find the deepest and stiffest snow drifts below ridgelines and in cross-loaded terrain. Look for cracking in the snow surface as an indicator of an unstable slope. Stick to slopes less than 35 degrees in steepness and areas protected from the wind for safer and more enjoyable travel in the backcountry.

Your chances of triggering small loose avalanches increase as the snowpack deteriorates. To avoid this issue, steer clear of steep near and below treeline slopes that are fully cohesionless.