Northern San Juan

Prolonged above freezing temperatures results in a weak, shallow freeze and will increase wet snow hazards on northerly-facing slopes near and below treeline. Slopes steeper than about 35 degrees with 6 or more inches of wet, cohesionless snow are the most problematic. Isolated wet loose slides may gouge deeper traveling downhill, or fail as a wet slab of snow on rocky slopes or below cliffs, and in places with a brown, dusty snow surface. Adjust your travels to lower angle slopes or call it a day if the snowpack feels hollow or trap-door, or you easily sink past your shins into wet, rotten snow. A small avalanche can have significant consequences in the wrong terrain.