Loose Wet
N
NE
E
SE
S
SW
W
NW
- Alpine
- Treeline
- Below treeline
- Likelihood
- Possible
- Size
- 1–1.5
You are most likely to trigger an avalanche where the crusts are the weakest near the treeline, in shallow areas, or tight rocky couloirs. Check how well frozen and thick the crust is as you travel. If you punch through the crust, head to colder areas with a more supportive surface. Plan your day carefully, as you will likely have to pass back through this elevation band later in the day. As the day warms easterly slopes where winds drifted snow could peel off the firm crusts beneath. Be cautious if you see white snow rather than dirty snow.
Observers have recently reported cornices falling, so stay vigilant for these gigantic hazards that can break off a long way back from the edge.