GLIDING SNOW

A “gliding avalanche” is when the entire snowpack spontaneously slides down a smooth surface. Gliding avalanches can occur with a dry, cold snowpack as well as with a wet, 0°C isothermal snowpack. They are usually small to mid-size and occur on all slope aspects, though typically on meadow slopes in the low and middle areas and most often on south-facing slopes. Release can occur throughout the entire winter and at any time of day. A gliding snow problem can exist for several days to weeks at a time.