Lawinenlagebericht

Generally safe avalanche conditions exist. Watch for unstable snow on isolated terrain features like steep wind-loaded terrain near ridgelines and in and around cornices.

While natural and human-triggered avalanches are unlikely, it is always important to be prepared for small avalanches in isolated areas or extreme terrain where a small amount of moving snow can become a serious problem. Use good travel protocols like exposing only one member of your group at a time to slopes steeper than 30 degrees, and always carrying rescue gear like a beacon, shovel, and a probe.

Today's advisory is sponsored by Mile High Powersports in McCall. Thank you for supporting the Friends of the Payette Avalanche Center and avalanche forecasting in the West Central Mountains!

No new snow over more than a week now has some people freaking out, and talking about golf, but there are still some nice pockets of good soft stable snow out there. A lot of people have been firing up some aggressive lines and have had a good set-up to do so.

***Going so long without new snow, and having multiple clear nights with cold temps have created facets at and near the surface as well as enabled growth of surface hoar, and even a crop of buried surface hoar under 4-5" that came in during our last snow event 1/20-1/21: natural avalanches were observed just following the storm.  

Sunday may be the last beautiful, avalanche problem-free day in the mountains for a while as weather forecast models are trending slightly wetter and mentioning wind along with small amounts of snow similar to the last storm cycle that put down 4-5". 

Winds were pretty sustained into the 20mph range, out of the South on Friday, but lacked much snow available for transport. Any slabs that formed have likely stabilized by now, but always prepare yourself as even a  shallow wind slab could be enough to knock you off your feet and send you into trees, rocks, or other obstacles.  These small slabs won't pose a much risk to snow machines,  but you should still be attentive to changes in surface conditions in the mountains.   

Upper elevation slopes are going to have a variety of surfaces ranging from good soft shallow powder in protected areas and slick sun crusts and firm moonlike wind board and or wind crusts where mostly northern wind abuse has taken place. Shallow to no snow is a problem on Southern facing/windward ridges and fingers where snow has blown off. 

Stay safe, and have fun in the mountains!

*** Check out our Observations Page to see what others are seeing...We are always looking for more Information from snowmobilers and skiers on snow and weather conditions. These observations help our forecasts and they help other users in and outside of the community.

It can be quick with or without a photo…Use the Observations link at the top of the page to submit your observations. If you experience any unfortunate technical issues please email us at [email protected]…Thanks 

***Motorized users, please be aware that there are some areas of the Payette National Forest that are closed to motorized use, some of these closures are to protect wildlife and some are to protect other recreators.  Check out the Winter Travel Map below for details

https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/fseprd891395.pdf