Avalanche forecast

Salmon River Mountains

Payette Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Fri
Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low
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Highlights

Triggering a 1-3 foot thick avalanche in wind-drifted snow is possible today at elevations above 6,500 feet—and likely at upper elevations. Identify and avoid slopes with evidence of wind drifting or large cornices. Continue to evaluate the snowpack you move in—particularly if those slopes have not been traveled for most of the season and lack information—& practice safe travel habits.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    The current storm cycle has laid down 2-3 feet of new snow over the last 5 days. Moderate to strong winds blew out of the S/SW. Expect to see wind slabs at elevations above 6500', especially on East through Northwest aspects.

    You're most likely to encounter a wind slab in exposed, upper-elevation terrain, near ridgelines, and on the sides of terrain features such as gullies, ribs, and rolling terrain traps. These features slow the wind down and force it to drop the snow it is carrying.

    As you travel through the mountains today, look for signs that the wind has been at work. Dunes, pillows, and ripples on the snow surface are all indicators that the wind has been transporting snow. If the snow you are moving through is becoming deeper and denser, you're likely moving through wind-deposited snow. Cracks shooting out from your skis or machine are a clear sign of an unstable slab. If the storm delivers more than 5 inches of snow by the end of the day, you may also find storm slabs in sheltered terrain. A "top-heavy" feel to the snow indicates that soft slabs are forming. Stack the odds in your favor by seeking lower-angle terrain and avoiding traveling above terrain traps such as trees, cliffs, or gullies at the bottom of steeper slopes.

     

    (1/6/2026)

    Cracking in the new snow which was becoming slabby from Southern winds

    Photo: Payette Avalanche Center

Avalanche Discussion

Snowcover in the mountains is getting better, at about an average of 7 feet, and allowing for great travel yet there are still hazards of hitting rocks and logs. Light snowfall will continue today and through tonight  as the storm cycle ends and high pressure builds by the weekend. If wind could be measured the same way, we have received multiple feet of it, with moderate to strong winds having gusted to 20-30 mph. Expect that the new snow and wind have changed the picture out there. Your likelihood of triggering avalanches will remain throughout the day as just enough new snow and wind will continue to load leeward terrain. Snow has been deposited on a variety of snow surfaces, much of which will be a rain crust up to 7,000 feet (and beyond in some locations). 

In the past month, we've seen the character of the snowpacks in our region diverge significantly with elevation, primarily due to above-average temps and rainfall. Above 7,000 feet, the snowpack is 7+ feet deep in most locations. In contrast, many middle- to lower-elevation locations have 2-3 feet of snow. In both of these examples, older weak layers have either a) become deeply buried and compressed in the upper-elevation case, and triggering avalanches on them is unlikely, or b) permeated with rainfall and have formed what is essentially a frozen cement brick of snow. Thus, our main concern today is the new wind slabs that have formed in the last few days. 

 Before committing to big, steep, and consequential terrain, spend a bit of time thinking about the consequences of triggering and being caught in an avalanche in the terrain you are in. Even small slides can have bad outcomes on slopes with cliffs, trees, and terrain traps. 

If you're out in the mountains, submit an online observation HERE. Even simple snow and weather observations can help keep other users safe and help us craft a more reliable forecast for you.

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