Northern San Juan

Strong winds drifted the new snow into thicker slabs on northerly and east-facing slopes above treeline, and stacked them over older, weak snow. Steep gullies or places close to ridgelines are the most likely spots to find hard, wind-drifted snow over early-season snow. An avalanche triggered likely remains small in size due to the lack of snow coverage, but could take you on an unforgiving ride over natural obstacles. Lower in elevation, over-the-snow travel is almost impossible because of stumps, down timber, and rocks.