Northern San Juan

Recent strong winds have formed slabs snow stacked above collapsable weak layers in the upper snowpack. You are more likely to trigger an avalanche on the edges of slabs where they are thinner, and it is easier to impact weak layers. Common trigger points exist near exposed rocks, on steep rollovers, and beneath ridges and cliffs. Avalanches triggered on previously drifted slopes that face northerly and easterly will be larger.

Move to a different slope or lower-angle terrain if you observe signs of instability like cracking or collasping. You can find safer travel options on low-angled slopes, south-facing terrain, and below treeline.