Loose Wet
- Hochgebirge
- Waldgrenze
- Unterhalb der Waldgrenze
- Wahrscheinlichkeit
- Possible
- Größe
- 1–2
Timing is key with this problem. We are looking for the slopes that have softened up enough for good riding, but we should also be aware when the signs of wet snow avalanches present themselves. Look for clues like the snow becoming wet and slushy deeper into the upper pack, rollerballs, and pinwheels as signs that these avalanches can happen. Most wet loose avalanches will be small, however be cautious in steep and committing terrain. Small wet snow avalanches can cause you to loose your footing on steep slopes and send you tumbling into whatever is below. If the surface snow becomes wet and slushy to boot top depth or more, loose wet avalanches will gain size and pack more of a punch.
Big and sustained steep slopes have the chance to entrain a lot of snow, leading to a larger avalanche. Be especially cautious in large bowl type features that funnel into a constriction.
On Thursday I only observed very small wet loose avalanches on south and southeast aspects above treeline.
Archive Photo
Small wet loose avalanche on a steep alpine slope in the direct sun.
