Avalanche conditions in the backcountry are generally safe, keep in mind:

1. Warm temperatures today may produce wet snow avalanches. Primarily small, wet loose avalanches on aspects facing east, south, and west, as well as low and mid-elevation northerly aspects. Wet slab avalanches are also a concern today. Yesterday, a wet slab avalanche was reported in Hogum Fork. While wet slabs are a bit more unpredictable - they can produce much larger destructive avalanches. For both types of wet snow avalanches, look for the obvious signs: Roller-balls and pinwheels cascading down the slope will be the first sign that the snow is becoming wet and unstable, and it's time to get out of there.

2. Strong winds from the past few days may have created isolated pockets of wind drifts at mid and upper elevation northerly terrain. Although these drifts should be small, you want to avoid getting caught in one in steep, consequential terrain.

3. With the snow surface frozen solid this morning, slide for life conditions do exist. Falling on a long sustained steep slope could be very dangerous. An ice axe, crampons, whippet, and the ability to self-arrest - are great tools to have if travelling on these firm surfaces.

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Pay attention to changing conditions, any periods of increased snowfall will lead to increased avalanche danger. Remember that even a small avalanche can be problematic in very steep and complicated terrain.

The glide avalanche in Broads Fork last Wednesday and Friday is a good reminder this avalanche problem will be a threat for the rest of the spring. It's best to avoid terrain with steep, smooth rock features or terrain that is very grassy and smooth underneath the winter snowpack. Places like Broads Fork and Stairs Gulch are best to avoid this time of year as at any moment; a full depth avalanche can release on these smooth rock slabs.