Loose Wet
- Hochgebirge
- Waldgrenze
- Unterhalb der Waldgrenze
- Wahrscheinlichkeit
- Likely
- Größe
- 1–2
There is almost 3 feet of soft snow in the upper snowpack that has fallen over the last two weeks. Until now, temperatures have remained on cooler side. On saturday the sun will come out and the temperature will rise up to the upper 30s or 40 degrees Fahrenheit, and this time of year the sun is intense. Often the first big warm up after a storm period has a big affect on the snow. As the snow warms in the direct sun it will loose cohesion. We could see some natural avalanches on solar exposed slopes and human triggered wet loose avalanches are likely. They could also be larger and entrain more snow than our typical wet loose avalanches. The largest avalanches will be in sustained steep terrain that will allow snow to run for long distances. Steep gullies and constricted areas are also features that could produce larger avalanches.
Keep an eye on the snow surface and monitor how the conditions are changing. Look for roller balls and pinwheels as precursors to wet loose avalanches. Use timing and aspect to avoid being on and around steep slopes in the direct sun.