Lawinenlagebericht

Lawinenlagebericht

Payette Avalanche Center
Auf der Karte ansehen

Lawinengefahr

Hochgebirge
2 · Mässig
Waldgrenze
2 · Mässig
Unterhalb
1 · Gering
Veraltet — dieser Lagebericht ist last year abgelaufen. Du siehst vergangene Verhältnisse, nicht den aktuellen Bericht.

Kernpunkte

Triggering a wind slab avalanche one foot thick is possible above 7000', especially on east-facing terrain. A recently buried weak layer could make wind slabs more reactive. Pay attention to red flags like cracking and collapsing where you find a wind slab. In areas not affected by the wind, watch for small, dry loose avalanches (sluff) in terrain steeper than 35 degrees, especially if the sun pops out this morning.

Lawinenprobleme

  • Wind Slabs

    • Hochgebirge
    • Waldgrenze
    • Unterhalb der Waldgrenze
    Wahrscheinlichkeit
    Possible
    Größe
    1–2

    6-12" of recent snowfall and gusty W/SW winds may have created wind slabs above 7000'. Wind slabs will be most reactive on easterly-facing terrain features, just below ridgelines. Winds shifted last night out of the N/NW. The snow at the surface is dry and light and easy to move around. Be on the lookout for wind slabs across multiple aspects and terrain features. Be heads up for cross-loading as local terrain features can alter prevailing winds. Look for dunes, drifts, or pillows to indicate previous wind loading. Pay attention to the feeling of the snow, does it change from soft and powdery to stiff and "slabby"? If so, find a different aspect that isn't wind-loaded.

    Additional Discussion

    Yesterday in our travels north of Goose Lake, we observed some small near-surface facets buried underneath the new snow. In areas where you find a wind slab, avalanches will likely fail at this new/old interface. Recently buried persistent grains will increase the sensitivity in areas where wind slabs are present. Pay attention to obvious clues of instability like cracking or collapsing. Approach steep, wind-loaded slopes with an added dose of skepticism today.

Avalanche Discussion

Happy April 1st! Yesterday morning's storm system was not fooling and dropped an impressive 6-10" in a matter of a few hours. Density was right around 10% and new storm snow was right-side up (soft and light over wet and heavy).  W/SW winds were blowing new snow around above 7000'. Since yesterday morning, another 2-4" of snow fell in the mountains with shifting wind directions. Cold and dry conditions overnight have likely recrystallized the surface snow and will make it feel even lighter. In areas where the wind has not impacted the new snow, you may find dry loose snow (sluff) moving on steep terrain. In terrain steeper than 35 degrees, be prepared to manage sluff. Even a small, dry loose slide can have big consequences above terrain traps like rocks, cliffs, and trees. The sun may be out this morning. Even a small dose of April sunshine will heat up the new snow very quickly and create small, dry loose avalanches. These will mostly be dry this morning, but if the sun sticks around into the afternoon, dry loose could transition to more wet loose.

Want to support your local avalanche forecast? Submit an observation. Submitting an observation on our website is a great way to help forecasters gather more information and improve avalanche forecasts.

Understanding Avalanche Safety Preparedness – 5-Minute Survey for Motorized Users

Eastern Oregon University is conducting a survey to better understand avalanche safety preparedness among motorized backcountry users like you. Your feedback will help us learn more about who is purchasing and practicing with avalanche rescue gear (beacon, probe, shovel) and participating in avalanche education—and why some riders aren’t.  The survey is confidential and anonymous. Go to the survey here.