Southern San Juan

With each passing day it is getting harder to trigger avalanches, but not impossible. You can trigger a large and dangerous avalanche on slopes steeper than about 35 degrees if you find a shallow spot and affect a buried weak layer. Common trigger points include rock outcroppings, steep rollovers, below ridges, and cliff bands. Avalanches on previously drifted slopes could step down to deeper weak layers, triggering a larger and more dangerous slide. Use caution on steeper slopes where the snow surface transitions from soft to stiff. Sun and warming could trigger loose avalanches on steep rocky slopes in the afternoon.

You can find safer riding options below treeline or on lower-angled, wind-sheltered slopes without overhead hazards.