Southern San Juan

You can trigger a large and dangerous avalanche in the new storm snow. The current forecast calls for rapid loading and periods of heavy snowfall early morning and midday Friday. Pay attention to changing conditions as the timing and amount of snowfall varies across the forecast area. The most dangerous slopes will have more than about 10 inches of new snow. Move to a lower angle slope if you observe signs of instability like recent avalanches or cracking in the new storm snow.

New snow loads will test buried weak layers 2-3 feet deep, and avalanches may grow in size and break across terrain features as snow accumulates. This is most likely on slopes that face northerly or easterly in areas with a shallow snowpack. Common trigger spots include exposed rocks and below ridges and cliffs.