Wet Slabs
- Alpine
- Treeline
- Below treeline
- Likelihood
- Likely
- Size
- 1–2.5
Snow levels will rise to 7,600ft throughout the day, and we can expect heavy rain and strong winds. With rain on new snow, we will possibly see natural avalanches on slopes with enough snow to create a planar surface. If out in the terrain, you can dig down into the snowpack and look for saturated snow. If you start to see water pooling at a weak layer, this is a sign of a weakening snowpack. Also, seeing recent avalanches is the #1 sign that you can trigger an avalanche.These slabs will range in size and larger terrain will produce larger avalanches. Wet slab avalanches are hard to predict and occur when free water perculates to a weak layer. We have found weak layers in various locations near the base of our snowpack.
Wet loose avalanches will also be possible and will occur on similar slopes as wet slabs. Wet loose is when the surface snow loses it's strength. This will often start at your feet and fan out. The size of these avalanches can vary and will be more likley in steep slopes. Be mindful in terrain with exposure and terrain traps (cliffs, gulleys, steep forested slopes). If you start to see the surface snow getting slushy, roller balls and/or loose wet avalanches, stick to lower angle terrain.
