Northern San Juan

You could trigger an avalanche on upper-elevation slopes facing north, northeast, and east where slabs of cohesive snow rest on top of older, weaker snow near the ground. You are most likely to find these conditions in areas with wind-deposited snow. Smooth, rounded features or cornices above slopes can indicate wind-drifted areas in the terrain where you are more likely to trigger a slide. Hard or drum-like snow under your feet may be another sign that you are in a wind-drited area. For safer options, stick to more wind-sheltered areas, and slopes less than about 35 degrees steepness