Wet Slabs
- Hochgebirge
- Waldgrenze
- Unterhalb der Waldgrenze
- Wahrscheinlichkeit
- Very Likely
- Größe
- 2–3
Widespread areas of wet, unstable snow and numerous avalanches are expected today. Avalanches from above could travel down through treed terrain, often considered "safe" during storms. Travel in, near, or below avalanche terrain is not recommended. In addition to the avalanche danger, expect wet conditions, poor visibilty and high winds in the mountains today. These uncomfortable and challenging conditions will make avoiding avalanche terrain and potential avalanche runout zones much more difficult. The conditions could also delay, or even prevent, organized rescue efforts.
If attempting travel today in non-avalanche terrain, be certain that there are no steeper slopes connected to the terrain you are traveling in.
Heavy rain at all elevations today will overload the snowpack. The resulting avalanches will involve wet heavy snow and could be large and destructive. All of yesterday's avalanche problems will transition to wet slab problems today. Rain falling on previously unstable wind slabs will trigger wet slab avalanches in previously wind-loaded areas. Rain falling on slopes where the Feb 10 facet layer exists a few feet below the surface could trigger large, deep avalanches on those slopes as well. Additionally, unstable wet snow will form on any steep slope, regardless of aspect, that receives rain today. In summary, any steep slope where rain falls on snow is suspect, and widespread wet slab avalanches are likely today. Avalanches of wet loose snow are also likely on steep slopes today and may trigger larger wet slabs in some places.
(3/15/2023)
An example of a cornice failure + wet slab from 2023. Ward Canyon area.
Photo: Public