In general you can count on several types of avalanche conditions in the spring- Whenever we get a storm the avalanche danger will rise, as the new snow might not bond well to the existing hard, slick crust it falls on. As always, recent avalanche activity as well as cracking and collapsing of the snowpack are dead giveaways the snow is unstable. Even if these clues don’t present themselves, be sure to do some tests on smaller slopes that are similar in aspect, elevation and slope angle to what you want to ride on. Choose test slopes that have minimal consequences, especially after a significant snowfall. If there's wind associated with the storm or if there's snow available to blow round before it gets cooked into place, expect to find wind drifts, reactive to our additional weight, on leeward slopes. Wet slides and sluffs are pretty easy to manage. As the day wares on and the snow heats up, like clockwork, wet avalanches become more widespread on steep, sunny slopes. If you're fe

When cold, dry snow becomes wet for the first time, it almost always means wet sluffs (loose snow that fans outward as it descends).   Larger wet slab avalanches can happen when melt water percolates through a layered, winter snowpack for the first time especially after multiple days of warm temperatures combined with no refreeze at night.   Warning signs may include: Rollerballs (pinwheels) in new snow that is getting wet for the first time Natural or human triggered wet sluffs Small sluffs fanning out into larger slides or running long distances Cornices breaking off These signs mean it's time to head home or change to an aspect with cooler snow. Remember, even "smaller" slides can be dangerous in high-consequence terrain, such as above a terrain trap, trees, rocks, cliffs, or a long, large avalanche path.  

When cold, dry snow becomes wet for the first time, it almost always means wet sluffs (loose snow that fans outward as it descends).   Larger wet slab avalanches can happen when melt water percolates through a layered, winter snowpack for the first time especially after multiple days of warm temperatures combined with no refreeze at night.   Glide avalanches occur regularly in spring as the entire snowpack slides slowly on the ground like a glacier until they suddenly release into a full-depth avalanche. These occur periodically on steep rock slabs and occasionally on steep grassy slopes. Notorious glide avalanche locations include Stairs Gulch or the rock slabs in Broads Fork. Avoid crossing under any slopes with cracks to the ground in the snowpack. Remember, they come down randomly, even at night. Warning signs may include: Rollerballs (pinwheels) in new snow that is getting wet for the first time Natural or human triggered wet sluffs Small

When cold, dry snow becomes wet for the first time, it almost always means wet sluffs (loose snow that fans outward as it descends).   Larger wet slab avalanches can happen when melt water percolates through a layered, winter snowpack for the first time especially after multiple days of warm temperatures combined with no refreeze at night.   Warning signs may include: Rollerballs (pinwheels) in new snow that is getting wet for the first time Natural or human triggered wet sluffs Small sluffs fanning out into larger slides or running long distances Cornices breaking off These signs mean it's time to head home or change to an aspect with cooler snow. Remember, even "smaller" slides can be dangerous in high-consequence terrain, such as above a terrain trap, trees, rocks, cliffs, or a long, large avalanche path.  

As always, pay attention to how the new snow is behaving.  Overall, conditions are not that dangerous.  Here are a couple of things to watch for today: Wind blown snow:  The new snow was definitely beat up by the wind on Thursday.  This formed some thick dense shallow slabs and some deeper drifts.  I noted some cracking within these slabs and drifts on Friday.  On very steep wind loaded slopes, mainly on the east half of the compass, you might find some pockets that will release if you provoke them.  That said, I'm guessing that these will be fairly inconsequential. Wet snow:  The new snow will surely become wet today in most locations.  We'll probably see some roller balls and perhaps some minor point release wet slides on the very steepest slopes.  I'm not anticipating this to be a big threat.  Just be aware that the new snow will get wet and somewhat unstable on the very steepest sunny slopes.

Spring Time Avalanche Concerns   Timing is everything this time of year. Get in early and out early, both for the best snow conditions and to avoid the threat of loose, wet avalanches. Follow the sun and ride slopes with an easterly aspect first, then move to south, and finally west. Signs of instability include rollerballs, pinwheels, and sloppy wet snow. If you find yourself sinking into wet snow above your ankles, you're out too late.    Loose Wet Avalanches are the most common springtime avalanche hazard as a strong sun and warm temps melt and soften the snow surface. Signs of instability include rollerballs, pinwheels, and "point release" sluffs that fan out and gather more snow as they travel down the slope. Timing is everything this time of year. Work slopes according to their aspect in relation to the sun and get off of steep slopes as they become wet and sloppy.   Wet Slabs release when melt water saturates a layer in the snowpack and the