Read ROADMAP.md to find existing backlog entries:
bash
```
[object Object]
```

Find next backlog number:

bash

NEXT=$(gsd-sdk query phase.next-decimal 999 --raw)

If no 999.x phases exist, start at 999.1.

Add to ROADMAP.md under a ## Backlog section. If the section doesn't exist, create it at the end. Write the ROADMAP entry BEFORE creating the directory — this ensures directory existence is always a reliable indicator that the phase is already registered, which prevents false duplicate detection in any hook that checks for existing 999.x directories (#2280):

markdown

## Backlog

### Phase {NEXT}: {description} (BACKLOG)

**Goal:** [Captured for future planning]
**Requirements:** TBD
**Plans:** 0 plans

Plans:
- [ ] TBD (promote with /gsd:review-backlog when ready)

Create the phase directory:

bash

SLUG=$(gsd-sdk query generate-slug "$ARGUMENTS" --raw)
mkdir -p ".planning/phases/${NEXT}-${SLUG}"
touch ".planning/phases/${NEXT}-${SLUG}/.gitkeep"

Commit:
bash
```
[object Object]
```

Report:

text

## 📋 Backlog Item Added

Phase {NEXT}: {description}
Directory: .planning/phases/{NEXT}-{slug}/

This item lives in the backlog parking lot.
Use /gsd:discuss-phase {NEXT} to explore it further.
Use /gsd:review-backlog to promote items to active milestone.