Avalanche forecast

Avalanche forecast

Payette Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

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Out of date — this forecast expired 5 years ago.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

Highlights

Conditions are going to be changing today, 3-5 inches of new snow is forecasted to fall today with moderate winds and a few more inches of snow overnight.  While you aren't going to need a snorkel with this storm, you do need to plan on encountering some touchy shallow storm and wind slabs across the West Central Mountains.   The recent high-pressure lull in winter has left us with a variety of crusts and weak layers that will be getting buried over the next 24 hours.  You will need to change your mindset accordingly especially on slopes over 30 degrees.

Continue using good safe travel practices like exposing only one person at a time to steep slopes, and make sure everyone in your group is skiing or riding with a beacon, shovel, and probe.

Avalanche problems

  • Storm Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1

    Even small avalanches can have negative effects, any amount of new snow that we see over the next 24 hours is going to have problems bonding to the old snow below.  Even small avalanches can push you into areas or obstacles where you don't want to go.  They can also pile up deeper in terrain traps like mid slope benches or gullies.  Slopes that have been baked by the sun have slick crusts right now and sun protected slopes are harboring a variety of weak layers.  Upper elevation windward slopes will see the highest  accumulations and these are slopes that have the majority of the crusts.

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1

    Winds across the forecast area are going to be increasing as this storm rolls through.  Expect to see wind slabs developing on leeward slopes in the upper elevation and on exposed lower elevation terrain as well.  These wind slabs will be developing on weak layers that have formed over the last 2 weeks and will make it easier to trigger an avalanche.  N, NE, and E facing slope will have the highest potential to accumulate the deepest wind slabs with SW winds accompanying the storm.  These are also the areas that will have the best snow to ride or ski on, look for visual clues of wind deposited snow and take the time to assess changing conditions as you recreate today and tomorrow.

Avalanche Discussion

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

Snow is in the forecast for today and tonight...not much but maybe just enough to put a little refresh on our current conditions.  With the abundance of crusts on many slopes right now, the new snow is going to have a tough time bonding to the older snow below.  The slopes that have been protected from the sun are where you are also going to find a layer of Near-Surface Facets and Surface Hoar which will be a touchy interface with any amount of new snow.  Some of the higher peaks and more exposed ridges will be seeing gusty SW winds as well.  The combination of new snow, wind and weak layers will increase the avalanche hazard and you will likely see shallow storm and wind slabs on upper elevation slopes.  After any period of high pressure/low hazard it is difficult to readjust to increasing avalanche hazard, as you travel through the mountains today and tomorrow remember to stick to basic safe travel protocols and assess each slope as you travel.  Conditions are changing and so should your mindset.

  • Only expose one person at a time on steeper slopes
  • Don't ski or ride above your partners
  • Have an escape route while recreating on steep slopes
  • Select a safe location away from runout zones to congregate with your group
  • Maintain  good communication with your travel partners throughout the day

 

*** 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