Avalanche Conditions- San Juan Mountains

We live in the San Juan Mountain range, one of the most avalanche prone areas in North America, and better yet, the entire world.
There are a couple reasons for this, one of which is terrain. Depending on the terrain, there may or not be avalanches. Apparently, the "perfect avalanche terrain" is a hill that has a slope of around 38 degrees. If it is less, then it won't be steep enough for the snow to move, but if it's too steep, then the snow will just keep falling, so there won't really be anything that is worrisome to slide.
As well as terrain, weather is another factor that makes avalanches a big deal in the San Juan mountains. Sun and snow both have similar effects on snowpack in an area. The sun melts the snow making it wet and very heavy. If it's snowing outside, more and more snow keeps getting piled on. Both types of weather apply extra pressure to the snow which makes the weak spots very vulnerable to sliding.
And lastly, snowpack is also a variable in causing avalanches. Avalanches are caused by an unstable or weak layer in the snow on top of a much harder layer (bed surface). These different layers are caused by the two other variables previously discussed. When enough pressure is applied to the weak layer, it eventually has to let go, causing a large quantity of snow to slide down an area- avalanche.
Avalanches can be very destructive and dangerous, so it is good to keep in mind all of these variables, so you're not in the wrong place at the wrong time.