Loose Wet
- Alpine
- Treeline
- Below treeline
- Likelihood
- Unlikely
- Size
- 1–2
While large Wet Loose avalanches are unlikely today, they won't be impossible to trigger if surface crusts break down while receiving direct sunlight. These avalanches are most likely during the heat of the day on slopes that face the sun. They often initiate near the bases of trees, rocks, and cliffs. Although slow-moving, these avalanches are surprisingly powerful and difficult to escape. They may also trigger larger wet slab avalanches (example) as they move downhill.
Additional Discussion - Dry Slabs: It'd take some bad luck, but it's not impossible to trigger small slab avalanches in previously wind-loaded, extreme terrain. The likelihood of triggering one is highest above approximately 8,500 feet on NW-N-NE-facing slopes.
Large Wet Loose avalanche in the Northern Sawtooths near Williams Peak. NE 9000'.
Photo: Sawtooth Avalanche Center