Loose Wet
- Alta montaña
- Límite del bosque
- Bajo el límite del bosque
- Probabilidad
- Likely
- Tamaño
- 1–2
Clear skies combined with warmer temperatures will make wet loose avalanches possible by the afternoon. Higher elevations - where recent snow totals are larger - may be able to produce avalanches large enough to bury a person. Steep slopes directly facing the sun will pose the greatest threat of avalanches. East-facing slopes will warm first, followed by south and then west aspects. Increased avalanche activity may occur near rock features where the surrounding snow surface heats up quickly.
Wet avalanches often start at a point and fan out, quickly entraining large amounts of snow. Snow from recent storms sits on a strong crust interface, allowing these slides to move quickly and far. Monitor the snow surface for signs of warming such as roller balls or snow shedding from rock features. Steer clear of slopes where snow has become wet, slushy, or unsupportable. Time your run or ride to be off slopes facing the sun before they become too warm.
Cornices: Large cornices exist along many ridgelines. As temperatures increase, these cornices will become more sensitive and could fail without warning. Give ridgelines plenty of room, as cornices can break further back than expected. Avoid lingering on slopes where these large chunks of snow linger above.
(2/28/2025)
An example of small point release wet slides from exposed rocks.