Southern San Juan

Warm temperatures may increase the likelihood of triggering large avalanches on slopes with buried weak layers. The most likely place to find this problem is on slopes that face northwest to north through northeast at upper elevations, where recent snowfall and winds have built connected slabs.

Multiple nights of marginal overnight freeze, cloud coverage, and warm daytime temperatures increase the chance of wet snow avalanches. Wet avalanches often release below rocks or cliffs and gain mass as they move downhill. Some wet avalanches may be larger than expected and release as a slab. Avoid this problem by starting and ending your day early and avoiding travelling on or below steep sunny slopes if you find yourself sinking into rapidly warming, moist snow.

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!