Avalanche forecast

Avalanche forecast

Payette Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
3 · Considerable
Below
2 · Moderate
Out of date — this forecast expired 5 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

Winds are starting to gust almost to 20mph this morning... be cautious of wind slabs in and around wind-loaded terrain and cornices...Especially on Steep, upper elevation Northern and Eastern aspects where older slabs formed.

Loose-dry snow can move with you as you ride or ski slopes steeper than 35 degrees.

 

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–2

    The light fluffy snow has been great snow to send into leeward terrain. 

    Even though the winds were mostly Southern, be suspect in all upper elevation steep terrain even exposed Southern slopes.

    Cross slope loading is a real factor, and the wind direction can vary in our mountains depending on where you are. Look for clues on the surface indicating which way the wind deposited snow.

    Rime can also build up on the windward side of trees and signs indicating wind loading direction. 

    More dry snow and less wind may hide previous transport.

    If you are seeing red flags like shooting cracks or hearing hollow sounds find another safer route.

    (12/27/2021)

    Heavy rime on the weather station showing the buildup on the windward side (SW winds)70.8 inches total on Monday 12/27

    Photo: GH

  • Loose Dry

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Likely
    Size
    1–1.5

    Loose-dry snow is really nice, but in some places, it can add up quickly and become a problem...Steep terrain with consequences like cliffs, logs, and rocks are going to be the worst places to have loose snow running with you.

    Be extra cautious on slopes steeper than 35 degrees. Use good travel protocols like one at a time on steep slopes, above 30 degrees, keeping your eyes on your partners and pulling out, traversing occasionally, or slulff management techniques are going to come into play.

Avalanche Discussion

This information is sponsored by Brundage Mountain Resort...Thank you for supporting the Payette Avalanche Center!

Our growing and strengthening snowpack has been slowly getting more new snow and wind problems developing on the surface and in the upper 2 feet. Over the last 24 hours, Tamarack and our Southern zones picked up more snow...Most instabilities have been mid-storm wind-related events. Some shallow natural avalanches were reported near Big Creek Summit yesterday. Check out the great observation from one of our Friends Of the PAC Todd Leeds FPAC Observation Coordinator!

Owner Marty Rood of Payette Powder Guides reported great conditions Wednesday with good stability in the Lick Creek Drainage.  One natural just below Skier Saddle about 7,600 feet West aspect above their Yurts, likely a wind slab cornice failure D1.5-2 but no other naturals observed under clear skies.

Our Loose-dry snow avalanche problem is serious in steep, long, sustained slopes or paths...be cautious of snow moving downhill with you as it may take a little longer given the colder than average temps...pack your warmest gear, it is cold in the mountains! We had a temp of 5 degrees F yesterday afternoon at 7700' along with enough breeze to make us wanna hide.

Be cautious of areas that are scoured down to the logs or rocks by the wind, or shallow snow areas that still need a bit more snow to bury the rocks, bushes, and logs better.

*** Check out our Observations Page to see what others are seeing...We are needing more Information from snowmobilers and skiers on snow and weather conditions. It helps our forecasts and it not only helps other users in and outside of the community, but it could save a person’s life also. If you travel to slide or ride to other regions, other avalanche centers are swelling with information from other users for your trip planning.

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 ahead of time.

***Avalanches early season can put you into rocks and logs easily, and pull out to the ground…be cautious and carry all of your Avi gear (transceiver, shovel probe) as well as general protective gear like helmets, knee pads, chest protectors.

The Granite Mountain weather station is believed to be rimed up and not displaying wind as of 12/29…we will try to fix it by the new year. The depth has been corrected.