Wet Slabs

Wet slabs occur when water in a moist snowpack permeates down to a weak layer. Wet slab avalanches generally occur under spring-like conditions when the snowpack has warmed up to 0° C. Watch for signs of warming, like snow falling from trees and little snowballs pinwheeling down sunny slopes.

You can avoid a wet slab problem by staying off of avalanche slopes during the hottest part of the day, particularly ones facing the sun and when the snow is feeling wet or slushy. Instead seek out shady slopes where the snow is still cold and the riding is better.