Winter's over, but avalanche danger isn't

It may be mid-April, but don't relax your vigilance for avalanche dangers when you're out in the mountains. In fact, a significant number of avalanche deaths occur as late as May and June, according to the National Snow and Ice Data Center in Boulder, Colo., and fatalities have been recorded for every month in the United States.

Not that we mean to scare you away from the outdoors so we can have it all to ourselves. No, if you arm yourself with some knowledge, you'll be less likely to venture into dangerous spots, whether you're hiking on trails beneath snow slopes or crossing them at higher elevations.

Here are some things to be aware of:

The slopes: It makes sense that steep slopes with a lot of snow are a hazard. Between 30 degrees and 45 degrees are the most dangerous angles, but the right conditions can trigger avalanches on gentler or steeper slopes.

Be more wary of convex slopes, but concave slopes also sometimes avalanche. North-facing slopes are the most likely to avalanche during the middle of winter. South-facing slopes become dangerous in the spring and during sunny days.

Ground cover: Large rocks, trees and brush help anchor snow on the mountain. Open, grassy slopes are more dangerous.

Snow: If there has been heavy snowfall the day or night before your trip, you may want to postpone it. A foot of new snow increases avalanche danger, especially if it doesn't settle rapidly. If you do go out, look for depressions that indicate settlement around tree trunks and over rocks. Lack of settlement is a danger sign.

Weather: High winds (15 mph and over) during a storm can build up snow on slopes. Snow is in an unstable condition longer with lower temperatures. Warmer weather stabilizes it more, but rapidly rising spring temperatures may cause wet snow slides, particularly on south-facing slopes.

Watch for: Downed trees and broken branches on slopes indicate previous avalanches, and that area will be prone to future slides. Avoid crossing steep gullies and open slopes. If you see piled-up snow across the trail from recent avalanches, be wary. Watch for cracks running in the snow, because they indicate that slab avalanche danger is high.

Route selection: Ridge tops are the safest routes. Just stay to the windward side and avoid cornices. If you cannot travel on ridges, stay out in a valley well away from the bottoms of slopes. Use dense timber, ridges or rocky outcrops to safely stop for lunch or to rest.

Get information: Check weather forecasts. Contact U.S. Forest Service ranger stations before your trip and ask about avalanche conditions. When in doubt, don't go.

Take a course: Although most avalanche safety courses are given in winter and early spring, if you are serious about traipsing through snow country, plan to attend one at your first opportunity. They are offered by Everett Mountaineers at www.everettmountaineers.org, 425-385-3660, and REI at www.rei.com, 425-640-6200 or 206-223-1944.