Southern San Juan

A foot of new snow and strong southwesterly winds formed drifted slabs on steep, leeward slopes and in rocky couloirs. You could trigger an avalanche where you find a deeper pocket of stiff snow that cracks underfoot. Be on the lookout for these drifts below ridgelines on leeward slopes and in steep, rocky, cross-loaded couloirs. The most dangerous slopes face north, northeast, and east. Most of these avalanches will be small, but even a small slide can ruin your day if it carries you into a terrain trap, like rocks or a cliff.

Sunny skies increase the chance for a natural wet avalanche cycle in the afternoon. Look for rollerballs as an early warning sign to head for the shade.