Southern San Juan

Triggering an avalanche that breaks in weak snow layers three to four feet deep has become more difficult over the last week. A large trigger like a falling cornice, or a deeply-trenching snowmobile might trigger an avalanche in deeply buried weak snow. Northerly and east-facing slopes where wind-drifted areas span multiple terrain features could produce a wide-breaking avalanche. Avoid travel on steep slopes below large, overhanging cornices. If you see evidence of recent drifting like rounded snow pillows, limit travel above terrain traps or cliff bands where a smaller avalanche could magnify the consequences of getting caught.

As temperatures warm over the next several days, watch for small, wet snow avalanches from steep, sunny slopes. The snow surface will become wet first on east-facing slopes, then to south and west-facing slopes during the day. Retreat to shadier slopes if you see rollerballs or find about 6 inches of wet, sticky snow.

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