Wet Slabs
- Alpine
- Treeline
- Below treeline
- Likelihood
- Likely
- Size
- 1.5–2.5
Wet avalanches of all types will be possible as warming continues and meltwater moves through the snowpack. The most common type of wet avalanche you'll likely encounter will be wet loose avalanches. These wet loose sluffs could grow large in less wind-affected areas that hold soft snow. Wet loose slides could be a trigger to larger wet slab avalanches. These are typically harder to predict but worth considering on any slope that starts feeling sloppy.
How do we manage this problem? Sadly, avoidance is really the only reliable strategy. Time your travel so you're off and out of the way of any larger slopes once the sun starts cooking surfaces. Avoid avalanche terrain where you're sinking into wet snow above your ankles.
Heat and sunshine will also weaken cornices. Give these overhanging chunks some space. They could trigger wet loose or slab avalanches.
Additional Discussion: While most avalanches will be wet, you may still find some dry snow problems, like wind slabs, lingering on upper elevation shaded aspects above 8000 ft. These slabs will likely be firm and stubborn, but worth keeping on your radar in steep consequential terrain. Keep in mind winds have blown from multiple directions, so you may find slabs in unusual locations. Be wary of hollow-sounding snow and pull back from steeper avalanche terrain if you notice shooting cracks.
(12/17/2023)
An example of a wet slab.
Photo: Dallas Glass