Avalanche forecast

Generally, safe avalanche conditions exist. Small avalanches, though unlikely, could be found in isolated terrain features. Northern winds have affected snow at the middle and upper elevation. Shallow wind slabs may be found on E/SE/S facing terrain. Small loose snow releases are possible within the new snow on solar aspects as the sun heats up the snow surface, especially on and underneath steep, rocky slopes. 

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Our snowpack is transitioning from the recent storm last Thursday. Although generally, safe avalanche conditions exist, we do have a variety of sun crusts (both buried and forming on the surface), wind-scoured snow, and wind-deposited snow. Two takeaways from today's advisory: the wind and the sun.

• Winds during the past 48 hours have been light with moderate gusts between 25-30 MPH. The snow surface is, once again, wind-affected. Our Thursday storm brought 4-8 inches of new snow with mostly W/SW winds. Friday, winds shifted and have been blowing out of the N/NW for over 48 hours. There is evidence of shallow wind slabs after the Thursday storm on north-facing slopes. Currently, you may find new shallow wind slabs on E/SE/S facing terrain. Some of these slabs are resting on firm snow surfaces (crusts, previously wind-scoured snow) and may be sensitive in certain places.
• The sun was out in full force yesterday.  The temperature inversion was strong yesterday morning and will be similar today. Clear skies allowed for strong solar radiation for the majority of the day yesterday. Temperatures reached the upper 30's just afternoon at the Secesh snotel site. Watch for loose snow shedding off of steep solar aspects today. If you are seeing rollerballs and point releases on the snow surface, move to another, shaded aspect. 

In certain areas that have been protected from the wind and sun (think middle and lower elevations in shaded, protected trees) you have the possibility of finding buried surface hoar and/or near-surface facets. We have been on the hunt to find these buried layers and have not seen them yet. However, these persistent grain types were seen on the snow surface throughout our advisory area before Thursday's storm. Be aware of this potential hazard as you're traveling on steep, shaded slopes below 7500'.

Continue good, safe travel protocols like spreading out on slopes one at a time, keeping your eyes on your partners, and making sure you are all carrying a beacon that (turned on!), a shovel, and a probe. Small avalanches can push you into consequential terrain features, especially if you are committing to bigger, steeper terrain.

*** 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