Loose Wet
- Alta quota
- Limite del bosco
- Sotto il limite del bosco
- Probabilità
- Possible
- Dimensione
- 1–2
On Monday, temperatures will reach the mid-40s F at near-treeline elevations, and lower elevations will get even warmer. As snow becomes wet, it loses cohesion and the avalanche danger increases. Wet loose avalanches will be most likely on steep, sunny slopes at mid and lower elevations. However, the March sun is gaining intensity and will warm steep slopes at higher elevations, especially around rocks and cliff bands. At lower elevations (around the Santiam Pass), temperatures will top 50 degrees Fahrenheit. Watch for signs of wet loose avalanches on all aspects if you're recreating near the Santiam Pass.
The best way to manage this avalanche hazard is to pay attention to how slushy the snow surface becomes as it is warmed by the sun or air temperature. If you see roller balls and pinwheels moving downhill, often from rocks or from your own tracks as you travel across the snow surface, these are indications that the snow surface is losing cohesion and the wet loose avalanche danger is going up. The snow on steep slopes facing the sun will warm faster than lower angle terrain. If you're sinking in past your ankles, move to lower angle terrain. Avoid lingering near gullies, depressions, tight trees, rocks, and other terrain that can make the consequences of getting caught in a small avalanche worse.
Finally, give cornices a wide berth on Monday, especially if they're in the direct sun and you see them beginning to droop. The recent stormy weather created some very large cornices throughout the Central Cascades. A rapid shift to warm, sunny weather will weaken these cornices.