Although unlikely, persistent slab avalanches remain possible in isolated steep terrain. The most experienced people are still avoiding the bulls-eye terrain - steep, north and northeast facing slopes, especially those that are rocky, wind loaded or have a shallow snowpack. These are the slopes where you are most likely to trigger one of these deeper slab avalanches.

· Widespread buried faceted layers appear dormant now, and persistent slab avalanches are unlikely, but if you trigger one it will be dangerous.

· If you choose to travel on steep slopes, select slopes with clean run outs, where a mistake in your stability evaluation won’t send you rocketing off a cliff, into trees or into a gully.

· Pay attention to possible signs of instability like cracking and whumpfing or collapsing, but remember these signs are not likely to be present so you have to dig down and look for the poor snow structure.

NE facing slope near 8800' on 2/8/18

Wind Slabs: As always, avoid any old or new wind drifts on steep slopes. They often look smooth and rounded, will mostly be along or near upper elevation ridge lines.

Cornices: Avoid travel on and below any new and old cornices.

Loose Wet: Avoid slopes that become saturated with daytime heating and/or direct sun. If you start seeing signs of instability like rollerballs, it's time to move to a cooler aspect or lower angle slope.