Northern San Juan

You could trigger avalanches where you find a cohesive slab of snow sitting on top of weak old snow. The most dangerous slopes face northeast through east. Avalanches are more likely at upper elevations where winds have drifted snow into thicker, more cohesive slabs. Drifted snow often feels stiff, sounds hollow, and may crack under your weight. Cracking and collapsing in the snow are signs of instability and an indication to move to slopes less than about 35 degrees in steepness.