Loose Wet
- Alpine
- Treeline
- Below treeline
- Likelihood
- Possible
- Size
- 1–2
A mix of snow surfaces, including crusts, wind-textured snow, and smooth snow, exists across the area. Many places will be firm this morning, but could get wet and mushy quickly today due to sun and warm weather. If the snow starts feeling 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.
Some cloud cover and warmer temperatures last night likely led to a weaker and more variable refreeze. This weaker refreeze should melt quickly in today's warm weather, especially on sunny slopes. Any lingering clouds could also help spread today's warmth to other aspects. Wet loose avalanches may become possible as wet snow forms due to daytime warming. 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