Northern San Juan

It is becoming more difficult to trigger a large and dangerous avalanche with each passing day of dry weather. The lingering, more suspect slopes are above treeline, steeper than around 35 degrees, and facing west to north through east. Avalanches will be larger on north through east-facing slopes that have deeper snow and more connected snow coverage. Dangerous wind-drifted terrain features have a smooth pillow-like appearance or feel hard and sound hollow. Shooting cracks or audible collapses are clear signs of unstable snow. Slopes near and below treeline without steep slopes of connected snow overhead provide safer travel options.