Boletín de aludes

Boletín de aludes

Payette Avalanche Center
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Peligro de aludes

Alta montaña
3 · Notable
Límite del bosque
3 · Notable
Bajo el límite
2 · Moderado
Desactualizado: este boletín caducó 2 years ago. Estás viendo condiciones pasadas, no el boletín vigente.

Lo esencial

Over a foot of new snow is forecasted in the mountains by this evening. Breezy south winds and heavy snowfall will create dangerous avalanche conditions by this afternoon. Storm slabs will increase in size and sensitivity throughout the day. Conditions will be most dangerous above 7000' near and just below ridgelines.

Problemas de aludes

  • Storm Slabs

    • Alta montaña
    • Límite del bosque
    • Bajo el límite del bosque
    Probabilidad
    Likely
    Tamaño
    1–2

    A significant winter storm is bringing 1-2 feet of snow to the mountains this weekend. You can expect to encounter storm slabs across all aspects and all elevations today. Sensitivity will increase to reactive today, especially as storm totals increase this afternoon. Slabs will be thickest at upper elevations, especially near wind-affected ridgelines. During the morning hours and/or at elevations below 7000', avalanche size will remain small (D1). During the afternoon and at upper elevations, avalanche size will increase to large (D2). You can manage your exposure to the increasing avalanche danger today by dialing back your terrain choices. Pay attention to the terrain you are moving through as the snow piles up. Limiting exposure to slopes steeper than 30 degrees is a good idea as the avalanche danger increases. Look for obvious clues like cracking in the new snow and audible collapses like whumpfing.

    Between 5000-6500', there is substantially less snow on the ground than elevations above 7000'. Be aware of rocks, logs, and stumps getting buried under new snow. Rain/snow levels are forecasted to rise up to 6000' during the day on Saturday. This will limit snow totals at elevations below 6000'.

Avalanche Discussion

Today marks a temporary end to an era. The past few weeks, people have been getting after some steep, aggressive terrain. A stable and above average snowpack for November and December has permitted good travel and a lot of confidence. It's time to dial back that confidence we've been enjoying the past few weeks. The West Central mountains will be receiving significant snow this weekend with high winds. Our current snowpack will be tested with a heavy loading event. Weak snow formed at (and just below) the surface over a 10 day stretch from late November into early December. That weak snow was buried last weekend under a few inches of new snow. In some areas, there is well preserved surface hoar, other locations may have a solar crust or near-surface facets. Weak layers 3-6" below the surface will likely not hold up under the weight of this new snow.

Avalanche danger will rise during the day Saturday and will likely peak between Saturday night and Sunday mid-day. Play it safe this weekend by limiting your time in and around avalanche terrain during peak avalanche danger. That means avoiding slopes steeper than 30 degrees if you are witnessing signs of instability such as cracking, collapsing, or recent avalanche activity. Have a good travel plan with your partners this weekend by discussing where you want to go and what areas you would like to avoid. Consistent communication with your partners is key as conditions change throughout the day.

Friday, the PAC toured past Secesh Summit. You can read that observation here. Thanks to the folks who have already submitted observations this season. You can view those here.  If you're out traveling in the mountains, submit an observation on our website. It only takes a few minutes and can be done from your phone. Give us an update on conditions this weekend, by submitting an observation.