Loose Wet
- Hochgebirge
- Waldgrenze
- Unterhalb der Waldgrenze
- Wahrscheinlichkeit
- Possible
- Größe
- 1–2.5
Wet loose avalanches will be the most likely avalanche problem to encounter today. This problem moves in daily cycles with stability dependent upon the time of day and aspect. Today will begin with low avalanche hazard at all elevations on all aspects. As the sun rises and begins to warm the surface snow the hazard will begin to rise on steep terrain that is in the sun. Areas with rocks will be the first to be affected as the sun's energy is more effectively transmitted into the surrounding snow. This type of avalanche problem starts from a single point and moves slowly at first. As it moves it gathers more snow growing larger and picking up speed. Despite their slow initial start, this type of avalanche problem can pose a significant risk as they can become very large in steep terrain with lots of relief and have the potential to bury a person or knock them off their feet or machine and carry you a significant distance depending upon the terrain. Exposure to cliffs or terrain traps increases the potential consequences of being involved in a wet loose avalanche. It’s crucial to recognize these conditions and avoid steep, sunlit slopes during warm periods where more than a few inches of the surface has become moist-wet to stay safe.
The first slopes to warm up each day will be east, then south, and moving around the compass to west slopes in the evening. Once the sun sets and temperatures cool, snow surfaces freeze, stability rapidly increases and the whole cycle starts again. Pay attention to what part of the cycle you are in.
(4/14/2024)
Natural wet loose avalanche activity on steep south facing terrain
Photo: Gareth Brown