Loose Wet
- Alta montaña
- Límite del bosque
- Bajo el límite del bosque
- Probabilidad
- Possible
- Tamaño
- 1–1.5
Warming temperatures and plenty of sunshine may set the stage for wet avalanches along sun-exposed slopes, particularly near rocky terrain. Temperature inversions may limit this problem at lower elevations, but you’ll likely punch through a wall of warm air as you ride or climb into the middle elevations. Expect these wet loose to be bigger in areas closer to to the Cascade Crest that received more recent accumulations.
Pay attention to sticky snow surfaces, rollerballs, and pinwheels as obvious clues that the surface is becoming wet and weak. Plan your day with aspect options, so you can easily escape sunny slopes if you don’t like what you’re seeing.
Warming temperatures may also weaken cornices. Give these overhanging chunks some space if you see them.
(12/27/2025)
An example of small loose avalanches that resulted from warming temperatures in the East North zone.
Photo: Adam Butterfield