Loose Wet
- Alpine
- Treeline
- Below treeline
- Likelihood
- Possible
- Size
- 1–2
North and east aspects at lower and mid-elevations hold previously saturated snow surfaces. As the day's temperatures increase, the cohesion holding that snow together will weaken and become unstable. Exercise caution on steep northeasterly slopes presenting thawed surfaces during periods of warming. A boot penetration deeper than the boot cuff means it's time to move aspects or seek less penetrable snow.
The sun can still effect slopes when clouds and below freezing temperatures are present. Today's sun appearance will reawaken frozen surfaces and cause superficial warming on steep southerly slopes. Even small wet-loose slides can become large enough to knock riders off their feet and carry them into unforgiving terrain. The best defense against wet snow instabilities is to time your travel. When snow surfaces are cold and hard is also when they are strongest. Early mornings and times of less sun exposure are periods when this naturally occurs.
(4/10/2023)
A wet-loose slide on a northeast aspect near treeline. More snow than expected can be entrained from a single point and result in a debris pile like this one.
Photo: E.Falconer
