Southern San Juan

Strong winds and new snow are driving the elevated avalanche danger. You can trigger a large and dangerous avalanche where you find more than about 8 inches of wind-drifted snow. These avalanches could step down to buried weak layers. Strong winds have moved snow and cross-loaded terrain features at all elevations. Expect the depth of newly drifted snow to vary significantly across slopes and terrain features. Wind-drifted snow often feels stiff or has a smooth, lense-like appearance.

You could also trigger an avalanche in deeper buried weak layers where you find a shallow area of the snowpack. Common trigger spots exist near rock outcroppings, on steep rollovers, and beneath ridges and cliffs.

Wind-sheltered lower-angle terrain without steep slopes overhead offers safer travel options.