Southern San Juan

If you find the shallow area of the slope where it is easier to impact weak, collapsible snow layers, you could trigger a large, dangerous avalanche. Likely trigger spots exists near shallowly buried rocks, on steep rollovers, and below ridges and cliffs. Avalanches will be larger on wind-drifted northerly and easterly-facing slopes, and can step down to weak layers in the middle of the snowpack. Use caution on steeper slopes if the snow surface transitions from soft to stiff, or in places with a rounded or wave-like appearance. Don’t place too much faith in a stiff-over-weak structure, and odds are you’ll observe no warning signs before the slope fails.

Safer riding options exists below treeline, or on low-angled, wind-sheltered slopes without steep overhead hazard.