Loose Wet
- Alpine
- Treeline
- Below treeline
- Likelihood
- Possible
- Size
- 1–1.5
Our spring weather means that the surface snow is melting each day, and then refreezing each night. This has provided great corn riding, and somewhat predictable avalanche conditions. Each day it is wise to wait until the surface snow has melted a little before riding, but if the melting extends beyond the top few inches, then small Wet Loose avalanches become possible on steep slopes. I was out at Newberry until early afternoon on Friday, and didn't see any recent avalanche activity. I can imagine riders triggering small Wet Loose avalanches on steep, sunny slopes later in the day when it is warmer.
These small avalanches are primarily a concern on very steep slopes and/or when terrain traps are present, and getting knocked off your feet by a small slide could have bad consequences.
Overnight low temperatures on Friday night are forecast to be a bit warmer than we've been experiencing. This may mean lower elevations or less open slopes get less of a solid refreeze, but even then I don't expect it to significantly increase the avalanche hazard.