Loose Wet
- Alpine
- Treeline
- Below treeline
- Likelihood
- Possible
- Size
- 1–1.5
Heightened avalanche danger will develop across the forecast region as daytime warming peaks. The combination of a poor overnight freeze, solar input, calm winds, and temperatures climbing into the mid 50s, is a recipe for snow surfaces to become weak. Steep slopes near and above treeline that face the sun will be the first to receive warming. While the severity of these avalanches remains relatively low, their sensitivity and distribution remain high. The physical amount of snow capable of sliding is variable from the alpine to the forest bottom. The majority of slopes hold a relatively shallow amount of available surface snow, and a stout underlying crust will deter snow from gouging deeper. Nevertheless, wet snow is dynamic in the way it can move and entrain additional snow, making terrain management and timing a top priority. Likely trigger points will be near or beneath rock outcroppings and cliff bands, as these features amplify the radiative heating process of the surrounding snow. Observe for roller balls, point releases, and areas holding wet unconsolidated snow that exceed the height of your boot cuff. Feel and test for wet snow by using representative and safe test slopes or by simply throwing a snowball downhill and seeing if it collects snow easily. When in doubt, use the terrain to your advantage and anticipate areas where you might encounter unstable snow.
Skier triggered wet loose slides beneath Powder Bowl
Photo: Eric Falconer
