Loose Wet
- Alpine
- Treeline
- Below treeline
- Likelihood
- Possible
- Size
- 1–2
Expect variable snow conditions with a mix of crusts, scoured surfaces, and maybe even some patches of lingering soft snow. These conditions will change quickly today due to sun and warm weather. Some places may remain mostly firm, and many areas may get wet and mushy. If the snow starts feeling mushy, unsupportable, or you start sinking up to your boot-tops in wet snow, it's time to consider moving away from avalanche terrain. Roller balls, pinwheels, and small sluffs of wet loose snow can also indicate that larger wet loose avalanches may soon occur.
Gradual warming and persistent cool NE-E winds over the last few days have helped limit the amount of unstable wet snow that formed. These cooling factors decreased last night, and warmer overnight temperatures, less wind, plus a few clouds may have led to less overnight refreezing in some places. This weaker refreeze, combined with warmer weather, calm winds, and strong April sun, means more wet snow could form in more places today. Wet snow may exist on a variety of aspects today, and wet loose avalanches may become possible as the day warms. Small wet loose avalanches could become larger wet loose avalanches on long, steep slopes as they entrain more snow while sliding downhill. Keep in mind that small avalanches can have increased consequences in exposed terrain.
(2/6/2026)
Wet loose avalanche triggered by a ski cut on an E-facing slope from earlier this season. Snow was entrained and ran 50 yards until the slope angle became shallower. This could be much more serious on a larger slope. Wet loose avalanches like this may be possible today.
Photo: Sarah Newsome