Loose Wet
- Hochgebirge
- Waldgrenze
- Unterhalb der Waldgrenze
- Wahrscheinlichkeit
- Likely
- Größe
- 1–2
Strong solar radiation and light winds will lead to wet loose activity that could potentially trigger larger avalanches.
The hazard remains moderate at all elevations today, with little change in the weather or snowpack since yesterday. Solar radiation has been the most active driver of instability in the mountains, creating sun crusts and triggering wet loose activity. While we have not observed any recent reactivity on the 3/6 layer—our persistent slab problem—it remains difficult to predict and can lie dormant before reactivating abruptly. For these reasons, heightened awareness, careful route finding, and smart line choices are essential.
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Strong solar radiation and light winds will lead to wet loose activity that could potentially trigger larger avalanches.
After the active D2 avalanche cycle on 3/22 and 3/23, there has been little reactivity on the 3/6 melt freeze crust ~85cm down. This problem remains and may begin to reawaken this week as temperatures rise, things thaw, and potentially new snow falls.
Sunny skies and warming temperatures this weekend brought spring-like conditions. This pattern will shift on Monday as a new low-pressure system moves into the region, bringing a return of snow through Tuesday. Snowfall totals remain uncertain at this time. New snow will fall on variable surfaces and may form storm slabs.
Beyond this system, temperatures appear to trend warmer throughout the week. We will continue to monitor the 3/6 melt-freeze crust, as there is potential for wet slabs to develop as meltwater percolates into the snowpack. Wet loose avalanches and cornice failures may also step down to this layer, producing larger and more destructive avalanches. It is the time of year to start giving cornices a wide berth as temperatures begin to rise and cornices become increasingly unstable.
This coming week looks like we may start to see rising temps and the beginning of the spring thaw. It is an easy time of year to let your guard down and enjoy springlike conditions. However with a persistant slab problem lingering it is important to remain vigilant and continue to practice good backcountry protocols and heightened awareness. Please keep those observations coming as they are extremely helpful in tracking problems and for forecasting!