Loose Wet
- Alpine
- Treeline
- Below treeline
- Likelihood
- Likely
- Size
- 1–1.5
With temperatures forecast to climb into the upper 30’s today, and possibly low 40’s by Saturday, Wet loose avalanches are a likely problem.
Wet loose avalanches will be a problem later in the day on slopes exposed to the sun, as heat releases liquid water into the upper snowpack that weakens the bonds between snow particles. Wet loose avalanches usually start on steep slopes, typically over 35°, and often around exposed rock. Also known as point release avalanches, these can entrain a large quantity of snow that can travel long distances into lower angle terrain.
If you start to see lots of tree bombs and roller balls that grow rapidly and gouge the surface, its time to move off steep slopes or find colder snow on non-solar aspects. Although wet loose avalanches move relatively slowly, they are dense and can be powerful enough to take a skier/rider, or even a snowmobile, for a ride over cliffs or into a terrain trap. When the risk of wet loose avalanches are elevated, limit your exposure below steep slopes and be aware of your proximity to terrain traps.
(3/7/2024)
Rollerball pinwheels begin to grow and gouge the surface as the surface snow warms and becomes wet in the afternoon on a solar aspects. This is a sign that its time to move away from steep slopes.
Photo: Mikey Church