Northern San Juan

Recent observations of natural and remote-triggered avalanches highlight the possibility of triggering large avalanches where a thick slab rests above buried weak layers in the middle and bottom of the snowpack.

A second night of weak overnight freeze, cloud cover, and warm temperatures increases the likelihood of wet snow avalanches. Avalanche danger will increase throughout the day due to warming. Some wet avalanches may be larger than expected and release as a slab. Avoid this problem by starting and ending your day early and by exiting the mountains when you start sinking into wet snow above your boot top.

Give cornices a wide berth as they can break further back than you expect, and could collapse spontaneously from warming.

Support these forecasts and avalanche education programming across Colorado by donating to Friends of CAIC’s Spring Gear Giveaway Fundraiser through April 1. Donate Now!