Southern San Juan

Your chance of triggering an avalanche increases on slopes where new snow and wind combine to form a cohesive slab on top of older weak snow. You could trigger an avalanche if you find 8 inches or more of new or drifted snow on a slope steeper than about 35 degrees. Loose snow avalanches may become easier to trigger or larger with only a small amount of new snow. 

If you see signs of instability, such as cracking, collapsing, or easily triggered loose avalanches, consider moving to lower-elevation and lower-angle slopes.