Northern San Juan

A Special Avalanche Advisory is in effect for mountainous areas of Colorado. New snow and winds through the holiday weekend will increase the avalanche danger statewide. Very dangerous avalanche conditions will develop in some regions, with the most dangerous conditions developing Saturday afternoon and into Sunday. Avalanche conditions will be more dangerous than we’ve experienced in weeks. Adjust your weekend plans accordingly, and check the forecast frequently for changing conditions.

Strong westerly wind drift snow loading and cross-loading lee terrain. Avoid steep easterly slopes at upper elevations that look filled-in or have a smooth, pillowy appearance. Cracking in the snow surface is an indicator of unstable snow below you. If you do trigger a slab avalanche, it may break close to the ground, and push you into thin, rocky areas below. Your ability to trigger avalanches will rise through the weekend with the addition of more snow and strong wind. Choose wind-sheltered terrain or low-angled slopes to find safer travel options.