A sign sticking out of the snow warns us not to stop as we side slope down from the pass. It’s late morning in early June and the sun is just starting to shine on the west-facing slope above us. The lingering snow is soft and, as the sign warns, avalanche danger will increase as the snow weakens under the afternoon sun. But the view down onto the alpine valley a few hundred feet below is breathtaking, and conveniently my hiking boot comes untied. Taking off my heavy backpack I might as well have a drink, soak up the view, and take a few photographs. It’s still early in the day. That snow above is firm enough.