Northern San Juan

You can trigger an avalanche on steep upper-elevation slopes where the wind has drifted recent snow. Slopes that face north through east to south with more than about 8 inches of fresh snow could produce a larger slide. The recent snow is resting on a slick crust that formed earlier in the week and may not be bonding well. Cracking in the new snow is a sign you should move to lower-angle slopes or wind-sheltered areas. As temperatures warm, the possibility of the recent snow sluffing on steep slopes increases. Pay close attention to the recent snow as it gets heavy. Glopping snow and roller balls are signs that sluffs can occur. Consider the terrain below you, where a smaller avalanche could have big consequences in complex terrain.