Avalanche forecast

Over a week ago now, 4-5 inches of snow fell. The Winds have gusted into the mid 20's and moved some snow around but without much new snow to transport, any new or older wind slabs you do encounter are going to be small and relatively shallow. Weak layers exist in the snowpack in some of our shadiest, most protected terrain, but are showing strength and are hard to trigger. 

LOW hazard does not mean NO hazard, even a small avalanche can have high consequences in extreme terrain.  Follow good travel protocols and pay attention to changes in the snowpack as you travel.

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

The fast-moving storm system that rolled through our advisory Thursday, January 20th-Friday January 21st didn't amount to much more than 4-5 inches of new snow, and this week's weather was a repeat of the last few weeks.   Monday's storm did blow through quickly though and left a fresh crop of shallow wind slabs scattered around.  While the chances of triggering a wind slab are decreasing, 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 high risk to snow machines,  but you should still be attentive to changes in surface conditions in the mountains today.   

Unfortunately, the winds over the last 10 days have not been kind to the northern aspects.  High elevation, exposed northern terrain took a serious hit and you are likely to find a very firm, wind hammered surface until you get lower into wind-protected terrain.  Solar aspects have a stout melt/freeze crust so the sweet spot for soft snow is getting smaller each week (see photos below).

***Our future avalanche problems are forming....this may not be a problem now, but eventually we will put a load of snow on top of the current snow surface...It is a great idea to keep a mental list of the surface conditions during high-pressure events, with an abundance of clear cold nights with light winds, we are forming our next weak layer that will get buried when it starts snowing again(hopefully early next week).  Similarly, the abundance of crust forming on the solar aspects will provide a slick surface that any amount of new snow will have a hard time sticking to.  For now, enjoy the sun and low hazard conditions and send us your observations if you are getting out into bigger terrain.

Continue good, safe travel protocols like spreading out on slopes one at a time, keeping your eyes on your partners, and making sure everyone in your group is carrying a beacon,  shovel, and probe.  Now is also a GREAT time to spend a few minutes with your group practicing with your avy gear.  Take turns searching for a buried beacon, and practice deploying your probe and shovel quickly and efficiently.

*** 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