Southern San Juan

Slopes with recently drifted snow are the most worrisome places to trigger an avalanche. Recent north winds drifted the latest snowfall into thicker, soft slabs on easterly and southerly-facing slopes above the treeline. Avalanches in the new snow could break into weaker, faceted snow two to three feet deep on slopes facing west through north to the east. Avoid areas beneath ridgelines, cornices, and gullies with a rounded snow surface or where the snow feels hard underfoot. If you experience cracking or collapsing in the new snow, consider heading to slopes less steep than about 35 degrees or that are sheltered from the wind.