Loose Wet
- Hochgebirge
- Waldgrenze
- Unterhalb der Waldgrenze
- Wahrscheinlichkeit
- Likely
- Größe
- 1–2
Monday was the beginning of a full spring transformation of our snowpack. the upper 3-6 inches of snow is wet to damp as you go down... Since Monday temps have risen and remained above freezing. Thursday morning temps fell 10 degrees yet were still around 40 degrees at upper elevations. Overnight lows have not allowed a solid re-freeze and has thus left all aspects and elevations loose or soft.
With more sun today, Solar aspects are going to be the most dangerous, and could still release wet loose avalanches naturally.
As the day progresses temps will cool slightly yet this problem will remain. You could get enough snow to run with you easily and push you into bad places! Avoid slopes steeper than 35 degrees, especially those that are long and sustained, or that are near consequences like cliffs, gullies and other terrain traps.
Rollerballs and other loose wet debris may already be present, however increased observations of wet loose activity should drive you to more conservative choices in slope selection staying clear of consequential terrrain like cliffs and gullies.
***Cornices are big and many are hang far over Northern and Eastern aspects. These beasts are likely still soft and sensitve. Stay far back from the edges as they need time to re-freeze and could break off far back from where you may be thinking.
(3/26/2025)
Wednesday---Natural wet loose avalanche above Deep Lake. SW aspect at 7,400 feet.
Photo: George Halcom