Soldier & Wood River Valley Mtns

Problemi valanghivi

• 

  Loose Wet

  N

  NE

  E

  SE

  S

  SW

  W

  NW

  • Alta quota
  • Limite del bosco
  • Sotto il limite del bosco

  Probabilità

  Possible

  Dimensione

  1–2

  A skier triggered a sizeable wet loose slide Wednesday (view photo), and we observed natural wet avalanche activity every day this week. With today's expected near record high temperatures and the lack of a solid freeze last night, the threat of natural and human-triggered wet loose avalanches will begin early and now includes all aspects below about 10,000'. The "flavor" of wet avalanches changes with aspect and elevation:

  • In shadier (NW-N-NE-E), middle and upper elevation terrain: Expect thin, surficial wet loose slides as the "newer snow" above the the rain crust from last week's storm gets wet for the first time.
  • In terrain facing the southern 2/3 of the compass: Thin surficial slides are possible, but the "newer snow" has already slid or turned to corn snow on many steep slopes. Larger slides that gouge deeper into a wet snowpack or flank out as wet slabs are also possible. 

  Both flavors of wet avalanches are most likely on very steep, rocky slopes that are sheltered from the wind. Small and large cornices could fail on their own or with your weight, triggering avalanches on slopes beneath them.

  How can we manage the wet snow issues? We can't just rely on timing. Avoid steep slopes where you're sinking deep into a wet, mushy snowpack or can easily punch your sled track or ski pole deep into a wet snowpack. In shady terrain where the "newer snow" is getting wet for the first time, wet pinwheels rolling downslope indicate loose snow avalanches may occur (photo at right/below).  

  Don't underestimate the power of wet avalanches. Be aware of the terrain above you and where an avalanche could carry you.

  ADDITIONAL DISCUSSION - DRY SNOW: In the highest, shady (NW-N-NE) terrain approaching and above 10,000', triggering relatively small wind slab or loose snow avalanches is possible. Wednesday, natural and skier triggered sluffs were reported near Trail Creek Summit (view photo). Recognize that even small slides can have big consequences if they knock you over and carry you long distances or where you don't want to go.