WET SNOW / TEMPERATURE PROBLEM

If the snowpack gets soaked by rain or snowmelt and is therefore weakened, slab avalanches or wet loose snow avalanches can release – often spontaneously. Rain affects all slope aspects. If caused by sun exposure, the extent of the problem depends on the elevation and slope aspect; spontaneous avalanches are then more likely in the afternoon than in the morning. Deeper layers can break off if the soaking increases. A wet snow problem usually lasts several hours, but can also last for days.