Southern San Juan

You can trigger a large and dangerous avalanche at all elevations if you find a shallow spot and affect a buried weak layer. Common trigger points include rock outcroppings, steep rollovers, below ridges, and cliff bands. Avalanches on previously drifted slopes could step down to deeper weak layers, triggering a larger and more dangerous slide. Use caution on steeper slopes where the snow surface transitions from soft to stiff or in places with a rounded or wave-like appearance.

You can find safer riding options below treeline or on lower-angled, wind-sheltered slopes without steep overhead hazards.