Loose Wet
- Alpine
- Treeline
- Below treeline
- Likelihood
- Possible
- Size
- 1
Recent observations indicate that wet loose snow is most likely to develop on steep (>35 degrees) slopes receiving direct solar input, specifically near or below large rock outcrops. In these areas, use boot penetration to assess surface supportability as you travel, and consider the consequences of being knocked off your feet and taking a sliding fall. If you observe signs that the upper snowpack is losing strength, such as greasy snow atop a firm crust or sinking into mushy snow past your ankles, seek mellower terrain.
Keep in mind that the most suspect slopes are often the ones offering the best riding conditions. Even small wet loose slides can be dangerous on long, sustained slopes with exposed rocks in the runout.
Set yourself up for success by starting early, when surfaces are most supportable, and by identifying areas where wet snow instabilities may develop so you can avoid or manage them later in the day. Continue to give cornices a healthy distance when traveling both above and below them.
(3/28/2026)
A small, wet loose slide off Casaval Ridge that likely occurred Friday the 27th. Initiated on a steep, sunny slope beneath a large rock outcrop. This is the type of terrain to exercise caution around.
Photo: Eric Falconer