Northern San Juan

You can trigger an avalanche large enough to bury you on west, north, and east-facing slopes at all elevations where the surface snow forms a cohesive slab above weaker layers buried around two to four feet deep. Recently wind-drifted upper-elevation northerly and easterly slopes are the most dangerous. Look for and avoid terrain with evidence of drifting, such as cornices, sculpted features, lens-like pillows, or stiff surface conditions. Warm temperatures may increase the risk of wet loose slides on lower-elevation sunny slopes as the day progresses. Plan to be off these slopes before afternoon and exit sooner if you see wet snow or roller balls. Slopes less than about 30 degrees without steep slopes above offer safer options.