Avalanche forecast

Avalanche forecast

Payette Avalanche Center
View on map

Avalanche danger

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Out of date — this forecast expired 2 years ago.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

Highlights

Very dangerous avalanche conditions exist. Large natural avalanches will occur, and avalanches will be easy to trigger. You can trigger avalanches remotely—from flat terrain below, above, and to the sides of steep slopes. Stay off of and out from beneath steep slopes.

Avalanche problems

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Very Likely
    Size
    2–3

    Many steep slopes are near or at their tipping point. The mountains could come unglued today and tonight. Large, destructive avalanches will release naturally on some slopes.

    The intense multi-day storm is overwhelming very weak snow that formed during the month-long drought, including surface hoar, facets, and facet + crust combinations. 

    The travel advice is simple: stay off of steep slopes and the areas beneath them. 

     

     

    (2/3/2025) Public observation: Bannanna Chute ENE, Remote triggered, from a distance while skiing nearby. Just North of Tamarack Ski Resort on Monday.

Avalanche Discussion

The avalanche equation remains simple today: exceptional weak layer + exceptional wet, warm, windy storm = weird and wild avalanche conditions.  If you're out playing in the hills, carefully plan your day to stay off of and out from below steep slopes.