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 3 days of strong melting combined with no refreeze at night.   Luckily, wet avalanches usually don't last forever because over time, days or weeks of percolating meltwater, all the layers in the snow disappear, and the snow becomes homogenous and dense, turning into a stable summer-like snowpack. Typically, this cycle of instability maturing into stability occurs first on the south-facing slopes in early spring, then progresses to the east and west-facing slopes in mid-spring, and finally, by late spring, the upper elevation north facing slopes go through a wet avalanche cycle.   Finally, glide avalanches occur regularly in spring as the entire snowpack slides slowly on the groun

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 3 days of strong melting combined with no refreeze at night.   Luckily, wet avalanches usually don't last forever because over time, days or weeks of percolating meltwater, all the layers in the snow disappear, and the snow becomes homogenous and dense, turning into a stable summer-like snowpack. Typically, this cycle of instability maturing into stability occurs first on the south-facing slopes in early spring, then progresses to the east and west-facing slopes in mid-spring, and finally, by late spring, the upper elevation north facing slopes go through a wet avalanche cycle.   Finally, glide avalanches occur regularly in spring as the entire snowpack slides slowly on the groun

Sustained winds have created sensitive areas of wind drifted snow. These drifts mainly exist on north and east facing slopes but can develop on all aspects with erratic mountain winds.    Avoid steep slopes with freshly wind-drifted snow as well as areas like sub-ridges, scoops, and other terrain features where sensitive drifts of snow can form. Many of the recent avalanches occurred under cliff bands, on steep rollovers, and just below ridgelines. Much firmer snow underfoot is a good clue you're on a wind slab as well as a hollow, drum-like feel. Watch for shooting cracks - a sure sign of instability.    Sheltered slopes less than 30 degrees will be your best bet for safe travel.    

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 3 days of strong melting combined with no refreeze at night.   Luckily, wet avalanches usually don't last forever because over time, days or weeks of percolating meltwater, all the layers in the snow disappear, and the snow becomes homogenous and dense, turning into a stable summer-like snowpack. Typically, this cycle of instability maturing into stability occurs first on the south-facing slopes in early spring, then progresses to the east and west-facing slopes in mid-spring, and finally, by late spring, the upper elevation north facing slopes go through a wet avalanche cycle.   Finally, glide avalanches occur regularly in spring as the entire snowpack slides slowly on the groun

There's a distinct chance that we may see more natural wet slab avalanches like the one described above.  Many high elevation northerly facing slopes still hold the mid winter sugary facets that are now becoming wet.  As the snowpack loosens up and gets wet from daytime heating, it loses strength and natural avalanches may break into that old weak layer that form in mid winter.  The rule of thumb is that if your boots are punching deep into wet snow, it's time to avoid steep slopes.  If you feel your track or skis punching deep into the wet snow, it's time to avoid steep slopes.

Spring Time Avalanche Concerns   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 over riding slab fails as a cohesive layer. These avalanches are harder to predict than loose wet, and outward signs of this problem are not obvious, but sloppy, wet, or punchy snow indicate that the pack is trending towards unstable. Successive nights without a freeze and warm daytime temps contribute to instability. Avoid thin shallow rocky areas and terrain under cliffs, especially