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Triggering large avalanches is unlikely.  It is not impossible to trigger avalanches in terrain where wind has formed stiff drifts of snow in exposed locations. Small loose avalanches could occur on slopes that face the sun once surface snow becomes mushy. Small avalanches can still have severe consequences in very steep terrain.

While the snowpack is generally stable, these are not “turn your brain off” conditions. Triggering a large avalanche is unlikely, but remember: unlikely is not the same as impossible. There are a few potential concerns to keep in mind.

Wind Slabs: The most likely place to encounter trouble is in exposed mid- and upper-elevation terrain where previous winds have formed slabs. We expect wind slabs to be less reactive and smaller than in previous days, but even small avalanches can have serious consequences in the wrong terrain. Watch for shooting cracks, smooth, pillowy drifts, or textured snow surfaces, and cornices. Feel for changes in surface conditions as you move into wind-exposed terrain. Wind slabs will feel firmer than snow in sheltered areas. Expect to find old wind slabs near or below ridgelines, or in cross-loaded gullies.

Loose Snow: On steep, sun-exposed slopes, you could trigger small loose avalanches if the upper snowpack becomes wet and mushy during the heat of the day. While these avalanches are likely to be small, they could knock you off your feet or sled and be dangerous in consequential terrain. Clues that wet loose avalanches are priming during the heat of the day are roller-balls occurring below trees and rocks, or if the upper snowpack is becoming soggy. You can reduce the chances of triggering a wet loose avalanche by moving off of steep, rocky, sun-drenched slopes.

During periods ofLOW avalanche danger, it’s important not to let your guard down. Seeing the green triangle can be exciting, but LOW danger does not mean no danger. Practicing good travel techniques helps reduce risk and keeps you alert to potential hazards.

Here’s a brief reminder of good travel habits:

• Enter the mountains with a plan: Discuss route options, decision points, and off-limits terrain before heading out.
• Carry the appropriate gear: Beacon, shovel, and probe. Check that everything functions properly at the trailhead.
• Monitor conditions: Is the wind transporting more snow than expected? Are warm temperatures melting the snow surface faster than anticipated?
• Look for obvious signs of instability: Cracking, collapsing, or recent avalanches indicate that avalanches are possible.
• Expose one person at a time in steep terrain.

Use terrain to reduce the risk of being caught in an avalanche. Before you choose to enter steep terrain, ask yourself, “What would being caught in even a small avalanche look like on this slope?” If the slope is peppered with trees, rocks, cliffs, or has an abrupt flat spot below a steep slope, consider choosing more open, gradual terrain to reduce the consequences of even a small slide.