Loose Wet
- Alta quota
- Limite del bosco
- Sotto il limite del bosco
- Probabilità
- Possible
- Dimensione
- 1–2
Wet loose avalanches have been observed nearly every day for more than a week. Yesterday, at least 3 relatively large (D2) avalanches were documented above treeline on north and east aspects. See our avalanche observations page here for all the recent activity.
Continued unusual heat and superficial overnight freezing have created a diurnal regime more typical of summertime than early spring. Each day as the sun reheats an already wet snowpack, loose wet avalanches become a possibility. Most of these avalanches have been observed in the afternoon, and have been near and above treeline on aspects that hold enough snow to slide downhill. Many have started in steep, rocky terrain, and several have been initiated directly from rockfall.
Start early. Ascend when the snow is frozen, and monitor slopes as they come into the sun and warm. Pay particular attention to steep, rocky slopes above you as they warm throughout the day. Try to plan your tours so your overhead exposure is minimal in the afternoon when avalanches are most likely.
3/26/2026 Large wet loose avalanche on an east aspect on Mt Humphreys
Photo: Steve Mace