Loose Wet
- Alpine
- Treeline
- Below treeline
- Likelihood
- Possible
- Size
- 1–2
Last night, cooler temperatures and clearer skies should have allowed for a decent refreeze. Still, the refreeze won't last long under today's strong March sun and rapidly warming temperatures. Once this happens, avalanches of wet loose snow will be possible, especially on slopes that face the sun directly (E-SE-S-SW-W). While northerly aspects may experience less warming, the sun is high enough in the sky that some wet snow may also form on these slopes. Wet loose avalanches could entrain enough snow to knock a person over or push them into a terrain trap that magnifies the consequences of an avalanche. On long, steep slopes, some could grow large enough to bury or injure a person since they will entrain more snow as they slide downhill.
Snow conditions could change from crusty and cold to wet and mushy very quickly today. Sinking into boot-top deep wet snow, roller balls, and pinwheels can indicate larger, wet loose avalanches may soon occur. Once the snow starts feeling wet, it's time to move away from avalanche terrain onto less steep slopes.
(3/19/2025)
This wet loose avalanche occurred during the last warmup on Maggie's Peak near Emerald Bay. Similar wet loose avalanches are possible today.
