Vibe Spring2025 - Flipbook - Page 71
unstable. Usually, you can see or hear
the running water, which are areas in
which you should proceed with caution.
4. WET AVALANCHES
When snow can no longer stick to the
surface due to free water minimizing
snow strength, a wet avalanche occurs. Rain, warmer temperatures, and
sunlight cause these. They move slowly
but have a lot of power. Check the avalanche forecast and be aware of melting
snow to assess if a wet avalanche is
likely to occur.
5. GLIDE CRACKS/SNOW HOLES
As warm temperatures, rain, and water
runoff continuously melt snow during
spring, it is common for large and
deep holes and cracks to form in the
snowpack. These cracks and holes are
created in the snowpack from warm
temperatures, and the runoff of rain and
water. Hikers and skiers can easily fall
into these deep, large openings. They
are often found next to or underneath
rock buttresses and boulders where
water gathers and melts snow. They
appear as horizontal
lines in a snowpack.
Avoid these areas and
proceed with caution,
because fresh snow
can cover them.
Joe klementovich photo
Mount Washington Avalanche Center photo
Spring 2025
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