Northern San Juan

You could trigger a large and dangerous avalanche at all elevations in steep connected terrain. Large avalanches are easier to trigger in shallow areas of the snowpack. Common trigger points include rock outcroppings, steep rollovers, below ridges, and cliff bands. Most of the recent human-triggered avalanche activity has been near treeline on slopes around 40 degree in steepness.

Tuesday night and Wednesday strong westerly wind stripped wind-ward slopes and stiffened the snow surface on lee and cross-loaded slopes. 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 on low-angled, wind-sheltered slopes without steep overhead hazards.