Northern San Juan

Recent observations of remotely triggered avalanches highlight the possibility of triggering large avalanches. The most dangerous slopes face west to north through east and carry shallow trigger points like rock outcroppings, convex rolls, or steep panels of snow beneath cliffbands.

Blue skies and warm temperatures increase the chances of small wet snow avalanches on sunny slopes. Wet avalanches often release below rocks or cliffs and gain mass as they move downhill. Avoid steep, sunny, snow-covered slopes during the heat of the day.

Recent strong winds also built large overhanging cornices along ridgelines. Give cornices a wide berth as they can break further back than you expect, and could collapse spontaneously from warming.