Loose Wet
- Alpine
- Treeline
- Below treeline
- Likelihood
- Possible
- Size
- 1–1.5
Sunday's weather will be warm and wet, with the possibility of rain, or mixed rain and snow, throughout the day. These conditions cause the snow surface to warm and become slushy and less cohesive, leading to wet loose avalanches. Wet loose avalanches will be most likely at lower elevations, where there is more rain and the temperatures are warmest. The danger will go up during the day, as temperatures climb into the mid-40s or even warmer. I don't expect wet loose avalanches at near-treeline and alpine elevations (above 7,800 feet or so), but it's a good idea to monitor conditions if you get up high and the snow feels soft and/or it's raining.
To assess the wet loose avalanche problem, pay attention to how deeply your boots are sinking into slushy snow. If you're sinking in to the tops of your boots, avoid steep terrain. Look for roller balls and pinwheels as early indicators of wet loose avalanches. Remember, terrain traps like tightly spaced trees, rocks and cliffs, gullies, and open creeks can make the consequences of a small avalanche worse. If in doubt, keep it simple and move to lower angle slopes.