Loose Wet
- Alpine
- Treeline
- Below treeline
- Likelihood
- Possible
- Size
- 1
Clear overnight skies along with below freezing temperatures has provided a good refreeze to the snow surface. On SE-S-SW aspects, strong and thick melt freeze crusts exist that should allow for good corn snow conditions through the late morning hours. As rapid warming occurs with well above average temperatures, loose wet instabilities will become possible on E-SE-S-SW-W aspects at all elevations. Most loose wet instabilities should be in the form of roller balls and pinwheels. Where transitional snow exists that has not seen repeated melt freeze cycles, especially on E and W aspects, these areas could allow for more snow to be entrained with larger loose wet avalanches possible.
NW-N-NE aspects are expected to remain firm and variable today with limited amounts of softening expected. Firm surfaces with potential fall hazards continue to exist throughout the backcountry. NE winds may delay some snow surface softening in wind exposed locations, but in general, softening is expected to occur sooner than what has been experienced over the past couple weeks. Small loose wet avalanches could have increased consequences where low snow conditions exist with obstacles and hazards. Make sure your group comes up with a plan that is appropriate for the current conditions.