Wet Slabs
- Alta quota
- Limite del bosco
- Sotto il limite del bosco
- Probabilità
- Likely
- Dimensione
- 1–2
Three nights of above freezing temperatures coupled with hot daytime temperatures continue to increase the likelihood of wet snow avalanches.
- Wet slab avalanches will increase in likelihood as hot weather persists. These are unpredictable avalanches that can break wide, multiple feet deep, and be very destructive. All slopes that have experienced warming are suspect, but steep slopes that are easterly facing are most suspect as they have received the least amount of cooling from the wind.
- Wet loose avalanches will become likely on very steep slopes that receive sunlight. Some shaded slopes could become suspect towards the end of the day as ambient temperatures warm the snow. Wet loose avalanches may start small but could entrain a lot of debris and be large enough to bury or injure a rider. These are most likely to be initiated around rocks and trees that take on more heat from the sun.
Wet snow avalanches are most likely on west, south, and east facing terrain at mid and upper elevations because they have experienced the most heat and melting. Pinwheels and rollerballs are also signs that slopes are getting too warm and becoming unstable. Wet snow avalanches can be difficult to predict, so carefully monitor the snow and if you see signs discussed in the Bottom Line, take a step back and stick to lower angle slopes.
(3/19/2026)
Natural wet slab avalanche failing on an easterly slope in the Salt River Range.
Photo: Matt Brown