Loose Wet
- Alpine
- Treeline
- Below treeline
- Likelihood
- Possible
- Size
- 1–1.5
For the most part, avalanches will be unlikely on Sunday. Because we've been in a consistent melt-freeze pattern, the snowpack has had a chance to reset, and any avalanches we do see will be small. That said, sunshine and warm daytime highs mean that wet avalanches are still possible, especially in extreme terrain. The most likely place you'll trigger a wet loose avalanche is in very steep, unsupported terrain during the warmest part of the day. This will be possible on all aspects at lower elevations, which won't get as cold overnight, and on any slopes that face the sun for multiple hours during the day. The best way to manage a wet loose avalanche problem is with good time management. Get an early start and exit the terrain before the snow becomes too slushy.
Today on Tumalo, I did not observe any loose wet avalanches, but I was sinking in to slushy snow by early afternoon. I was also avoiding standing underneath cornices. I did not see any cornice fall today, but it's a good idea to give them a wide berth when they're in the direct sun. It's impossible to know exactly when a cornice will break, and there are some big ones lingering out there in our mountains.
Finally, remember that even small avalanches can have big consequences when terrain traps like cliffs, rocks, trees, gullies, and open creeks or crevasses are present. Avoid lingering above any features that could result in a deeper burial or traumatic injury.