Loose Wet
- Alta montaña
- Límite del bosque
- Bajo el límite del bosque
- Probabilidad
- Possible
- Tamaño
- 1–2
Snow surfaces saw minimal re-freeze overnight. Temperatures will rise again today, with clouds trapping the daytime heat. The cooling effects of the wind could keep major warming at bay, though winds are forecast to decrease into this evening. Wet surface snow could develop on steep slopes near and below treeline. Watch for signs that wet snow is becoming unstable.
Rollerballs or pinwheels and sinking deeply into wet snow are signs of instability that often foreshadow larger point-release avalanches. Rocky terrain, steep vegetated slopes, and areas with shallow snow cover will warm the most. Wet Loose avalanches often fail from a single point and entrain heavy snow as they move downhill. Wet Loose avalanches can also trigger larger slab avalanches that break into deeper snow layers. Travel early when the snow surface is colder. Plan your trips to avoid crossing on or under very steep slopes in the afternoon. Move to colder slopes or to lower slope angles once the snow surface turns to mush. Avoid steep slopes above terrain traps, cliffs, and sustained steep pitches.
(3/21/2025)
Small wet loose avalanche in the southeast couloir on Dunderberg Peak, Virginia Lakes.
Photo: Bridgeport Avalanche Center