Northern San Juan

You may be able to trigger a small avalanche in wind-drifted snow on steep slopes above treeline. The most likely place you could trigger an avalanche in wind-drifted snow is on north, northeast, and east-facing slopes below ridgelines and near rocky outcrops. You can find safer and more enjoyable backcountry travel on slopes protected from the wind.

You could also trigger a small loose avalanche on steep slopes where the snowpack is weak and lacks cohesion. Be aware of potential for these small avalanches in steep northerly terrain, near and below treeline, especially where the snowpack is shallow and fully faceted. While small, these loose avalanches could be hazardous if they sweep you off your feet in consequential terrain.