Northern San Juan

The avalanche danger is trending down. While triggering a dangerous avalanche is becoming more difficult with each passing day of dry weather, remember low danger does not mean no danger. 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 signs of previous wind-loading on hanging panels of snow, below ridgelines, and in high-elevation gullies. You are more likely to trigger an avalanche where you find wind-drifted terrain features, near exposed rocks, or where you find softer snow transitioning to harder snow. Dangerous wind-drifted features that have a smooth pillow-like appearance or feel hard and sound hollow. Slopes near and below treeline provide safer travel options.