Northern San Juan

You can trigger an avalanche where you find wind-drifted snow forming a cohesive slab over weak snow at upper elevations. Look for and avoid steep slopes that have a lens-shaped or pillowy-looking surface. Cracking or collapsing in the drifted snow is a sign to move to lower-angled slopes sheltered from the wind.

Warm temperatures and strong sunshine increase the chances of wet avalanches. Small pinwheels and rollerballs are an early warning sign to move towards shadier terrain. Avoid traveling on or under steep sunny slopes, especially later in the day when warming reaches its peak.

On February 20, a backcountry snowboarder was caught and killed in an avalanche on a terrain feature locally known as The Nose in the Middle Fork of Mineral Creek drainage, west of the town of Silverton. The avalanche occurred near treeline on a northeast-facing slope. You can read the preliminary accident report here.