Northern San Juan

You could trigger a large avalanche on slopes greater than 35 degrees where a cohesive slab sits above very weak snow. Avalanches are easier to trigger in shallow areas near rock outcroppings, below cliffs and ridgelines, and on steep convex slopes. An avalanche that breaks in a shallow area could expand to deeper areas and take the entire season's snowpack with it. Stick to lower-angled slopes and know what terrain surrounds you.

Don’t get lulled into a false sense of security if you fail to observe signs of unstable snow, like shooting cracks or audible collapses. Expect avalanche danger to rise Friday with the arrival of a winter storm.