Southern San Juan

Avalanche danger will rise during the day as warm temperatures increase the risk of wet snow avalanches. If you find yourself out in the mountains too late in the day, you could see natural avalanches or be able to trigger avalanches that start as a loose wet avalanche that gains mass or potentially steps down. Track how the snowpack is softening throughout your time in the backcountry by frequently stepping out of your bindings or off your mode of travel. If you sink into wet snow above your boot top, it's time to head out of the mountains altogether.

Early timing will be crucial for safe travel in the coming days. Start and end your day earlier as temperatures climb, and quickly move off steep slopes, or head for home, as snow rapidly warms.