Loose Wet
- Alpine
- Treeline
- Below treeline
- Likelihood
- Possible
- Size
- 1–1.5
Snow surface conditions will change from firm and frozen early this morning to soft and wet as daytime warming occurs today. Roller balls, pinwheels, or sinking into deep wet unsupportable snow will indicate that the snow surface is losing strength and that wet loose avalanches could occur. If you encounter unstable wet snow, move to a different aspect with less sun, or recreate on lower angle slopes away from steeper avalanche terrain. Getting an early start will help minimize your exposure to this avalanche problem before snow surfaces become wet and unsupportable.
Temperature inversions held overnight low temperatures above freezing at most locations above 7000'. Radiational cooling of the snow surface due to clear skies have helped provide at least a modest refreeze of the snow surface. Higher elevation areas have recently had thicker melt freeze crusts even with above overnight freezing temperatures. As these melt freeze crusts melt throughout the day, deeper wet snow will be exposed with the potential for triggering wet loose avalanches. Steeper shaded terrain is expected to remain firm all day, with some lower angle northerly aspects softening with the increased sun angles and temperatures. Keep in mind that even a small avalanche can have increased consequences in exposed terrain.
(3/12/2026)
Recent wet loose avalanches above Crater Lake.
Red Lake Peak, Carson Pass area.