Boletín de aludes

Boletín de aludes

Payette Avalanche Center
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Peligro de aludes

Sat
Alta montaña
2 · Moderado
Límite del bosque
2 · Moderado
Bajo el límite
1 · Débil
Desactualizado: este boletín caducó 4 years ago. Estás viendo condiciones pasadas, no el boletín vigente.

Lo esencial

The avalanche hazard is Moderate today.  Human triggered avalanches are possible.  Multiple weak layers exist in the snowpack above the 3/1 crust and in the February snow which is now 2+ feet down in the snowpack.   You may also find sensitive layers of wind deposited snow at or near ridgelines.  Sluffing on steep shaded slopes will be something to keep in mind and loose wet activity will increase if the sun makes an appearance today on the sunny aspects.  With increased complexity in the snowpack, use caution as you choose slopes to recreate on today and over the next few days.

Problemas de aludes

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alta montaña
    • Límite del bosque
    • Bajo el límite del bosque
    Probabilidad
    Possible
    Tamaño
    1–1.5

    The snow we received earlier this week fell on a variety of weak layers including a slick crust(Feb 28-March 1 Rain Event), and a layer of faceted snow above the crust that developed over the last 2 weeks. While this slab is made up of the new snow layer, it has now transitioned into a persistent slab problem that will likely stick with us for a while.  Additionally, there is a layer of faceted snow below the crust that developed during the same period of mostly high pressure.  Monday, Kevin was able to remotely trigger an avalanche south of Tamarack Resort on the layer above the crust, and Wednesday, I experienced several large whumps that were likely in the layer below the crust.  Also worth noting are layers of loose, faceted snow that are resting above and below the 2/14 crust. The weak snow on this crust was responsible for a widespread avalanche cycle on 2/28 and 3/1.  These layers where they exist are going to be harder to trigger unless you find a shallow spot in the snowpack or are unlucky. If you did trigger one of these deeper layers though it would involve the top 2-3 feet of dense snow.   If you are poking around in the snow in different areas, we would love to see your observations on these layers as there is a lot of variability between different areas.

     

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alta montaña
    • Límite del bosque
    • Bajo el límite del bosque
    Probabilidad
    Possible
    Tamaño
    1–1.5

    It is possible that you may encounter areas of wind deposited snow resting on weak layers below. Winds earlier this week gusted between 30 and 45 mph throughout the advisory area.    Pillows and drifts have grown below ridgelines but have been mostly non-reactive to ski cuts. Cornices also grew substantially with the high winds and some fresh snow, make sure you give large cornices plenty of respect and avoid the edge.  Pay attention to visual clues near ridgelines and in areas where blowing snow may have been deposited.

    Large cornices and dense snow on the ridgeline above Hum Lake.

Avalanche Discussion

Today's Advisory is sponsored by CM Backcountry Rentals and Adventures.  Thanks for supporting the Payette Avalanche Center!

Your snow and avalanche senses should be on high alert today in the mountains. Our avalanche hazard today is complex and should keep even the most experienced skiers and snowmobilers alert to changing conditions. We have several distinct avalanche problems that each offer a different hazard.

  • Persistent slab:  This week's storm added weight and stress to a buried weak layer on the rain crust from early March.  We are also watching a deeper layer that has been growing and weakening below the Valentine's Day crust. (see pit photos below)
  • Sluffing/dry loose: If you are skiing or riding on steep, shady slopes, you can anticipate sluffing in the new snow.  We had some reports of some fairly large sluffs on steep shady slopes yesterday.
  • Wind slab: Fresh wind slabs were created and were reactive earlier this week.  Watch for clues of wind slabs (drifted snow, pillows, large cornices, slabby or hollow feeling snow). Stay clear of steep slopes harboring recent wind slabs.
  • Wet loose: Temperatures will begin rising today and if the sun is out for any length of time it will be affecting and weakening the snowpack on steep solar aspects. Watch for signs of shallow wet loose instability in the form of point releases, roller balls that begin spontaneously or may be triggered if you are riding or sliding on steep slopes facing the sun.