Loose Wet
- Alpine
- Treeline
- Below treeline
- Likelihood
- Likely
- Size
- 2
The April sun is strong, and we’ve had several nights without a solid refreeze. Regardless of wind, expect wet loose avalanches, and sloppy, unsupportable snow on east, south, and west aspects—as well as lower and mid-elevation north-facing slopes.
Larger wet slab avalanches are becoming more likely with each day of warm temperatures. There are still a few layers in the snowpack where water can pool, increasing the potential for deeper, more destructive avalanches—even if the exact timing is hard to pin down.
Cornices may break naturally and trigger slides below. Roof avalanches—where a roof sheds its snowpack—remain a serious objective hazard in mountain communities. Never let children play beneath steep, snow-loaded roofs. A fatal roof avalanche occurred as recently as April 2023 in Brighton Township, where an adult was likely working beneath a roof when it slid.
Bottom line: Get out early and get home early. When the snow turns wet and unsupportable, it’s time to change aspects or call it a day. Rollerballs, wet sluffs, and collapsing cornices are all signs that things are heating up. Even small slides can be dangerous in steep terrain, so plan your exits and stay alert.
Example of wet snow from American Fork - D. Kelly