Southern San Juan

Avalanche conditions are generally safe, but there are a few hazards to consider. Use caution on steep, wind-loaded slopes above the treeline. There you may find wind-drifted slabs of snow on top of weaker snow layers. Deeper drifts likely exist on easterly-facing slopes below ridgetops and in cross-loaded gullies, so steer clear of places with a rounded snow surface or where the snow feels hard underfoot. Small slides that knock you over and take you for a ride in extreme or complex terrain can be dangerous. If you trigger a slide near the surface, there is an outside chance it could step down into deeper weak snow layers resulting in a larger, more dangerous avalanche.