Loose Wet
- Alta montaña
- Límite del bosque
- Bajo el límite del bosque
- Probabilidad
- Possible
- Tamaño
- 1–2
April is feeling a little more like spring after a wintry start to the month. This weekend we are receiving our first substantial warming trend and much of the new snow that fell on April 1 &2 will be effected by the warming temperatures. As the surface snow warms, you can cue in on signs of instability, such as roller balls and pinwheels or snow becoming deep and slushy under your sled or skis. If you see these signs, it is time to change your plans. Find a shaded slope or low angle terrain to mitigate your risk to avalanches. Even a small wet loose avalanche can have big consequences if a terrain trap is involved.
Travel carefully in areas around exposed rocks or cliffs, they can absorb heat and impact the snow quicker than any snow covered slope. Use time of day to your advantage. As the day heats up, you can follow aspect and elevation bands to reduce your exposure to surface instability.
(4/3/2025) Photo: Julian Hanna
Roller Balls in Horse Creek.