Southern San Juan

Triggering an avalanche that breaks in old snow is becoming less likely. If you were to trigger one, it would be on steeper slopes at upper elevations. You are more likely to impact a weak layer and trigger an avalanche near exposed rocks and on steep convex rolls where a buried layer of firm snow sits above older, weaker snow.

Recent wind-drifting may increase sensitivity of surface snow, but will not be enough to increase avalanche danger. For safer riding options, stick to slopes less than 35 degrees in steepness.

Colorado Gives Day is December 10. Please consider donating to the Friends of CAIC to help them reach their fundraising goal. Support from people like you helps make it possible for us to provide high-quality public safety information. Visit friendsofcaic.org for more information.