Why Wet Avalanches Happen in Spring in the Alps

Why Wet Avalanches Happen in Spring in the Alps

As winter transitions toward spring, avalanche conditions in the Alps often change in important ways. While mid-winter avalanches are frequently triggered by new snowfall and wind loading, late-season avalanches are more commonly linked to warming temperatures and melting snow. These are known as wet avalanches, and they become increasingly common during late winter and spring across Alpine regions. Understanding how and why wet avalanches form …