Northern San Juan

Strong winds accompanied by new snow have created hazardous avalanche conditions at upper elevations. Avoid steep slopes where you observed 8 or more inches of drifted snow. An avalanche in the new snow could step down to deeper buried weak layers.

You could also trigger an avalanche in these deeper buried weak layers if you find the shallow area on slopes steeper than about 35 degrees. Common trigger spots exist near rock outcroppings, on steep rollovers, and beneath ridges and cliffs.

Lower-angled, wind-sheltered slopes without steep overhead hazards offer safer travel options.