Northern San Juan

Clear skies and warm temperatures Tuesday into Wednesday will provoke shedding of recent snow on old firm surfaces. You are more likely to trigger a small avalanche in the recent snow later in the day when surface snow is wet. Roller balls or pinwheels indicate that the surface is warming, and it is a good time to consider changing slopes. Long-running slides on steep slopes with more than about 8 inches of recent snow could grow larger and be more dangerous, especially if triggered above cliffs or exposed rocks. Start and end your day early to limit your exposure to wet snow problems.

Elevated winds may stiffen slabs of snow at upper elevations. You may be able to trigger a small avalanche in drifted snow on northerly aspects. Be mindful of stiff drifted snow, especially in consequential terrain.