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 occur when meltwater 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. 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 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.

We almost always get winter-like snowstorms well into the spring. Treat each storm just like you would in winter. Avalanches can occur within the new snow, typically from 1) low-density layers deposited during the storm, 2) high precipitation intensity during a storm, and 3) from wind slabs created during the storm.

It's easy to test the new snow as you travel by jumping on small test slopes to see if they avalanche, or by digging down with your hand to see how well the new snow is bonding. Snow can change dramatically in both space and time, so never let your guard down. Avoid any steep slope with recent wind deposits.

Practice good backcountry protocol:

• Check your gear before every ride, and make sure each person has a working transceiver, shovel, and probe before entering avalanche terrain
• Only expose one person to a steep slope at a time
• Never travel above other people

Wind can rapidly load snow onto steep slopes, making those slopes more prone to avalanching. Avoid slopes greater than 30° in steepness if you see signs of wind-drifted snow, such as rounded and pillowy features, and shooting cracks. In some cases, wind-drifts can sound hollow like a drum.