Avalanche forecast

Avalanche forecast

Payette Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Alpine
3 · Considerable
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Out of date — this forecast expired 5 years ago.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

Over the last 3 days, Gusty Southern winds have moved a lot of snow creating sensitive slabs in upper elevation, wind-affected, and loaded terrain.  More dry snow and less wind may hide previous transport.

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
    Likely
    Size
    1–2

    Winds have gusted a lot since Thursday hitting 70mph on top of Tamarack. On Friday, we saw gusts into the 40mph range on Granite, and Christmas Secesh had gusts into the 20mph range. With all the wind, around 2 feet of light dry snow has come down, probably mostly sideways with the wind, getting sent into leeward terrain (A lot of perfect snow for transport).  Leeward slopes could have 3-4 foot deep slabs in places. 

    Even though the winds were mostly Southern, be suspect in all upper elevation steep terrain even exposed Southern slopes. 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. Rhyme can also build up on the windward side of trees and signs indicating wind direction.

    More dry snow and less wind may hide previous transport.

    Gusty Winds since Thursday at Granite Weatherstation.

  • Loose Dry

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

    Loose-dry snow is what we have been getting since Friday...what a nice Christmas present. More snow is on the way today.

    Most of the new snow that survived the wind can come down the mountain with you as you ski or ride. If you are in confined steep, exposed terrain with bad consequences, then you have a serious problem. Be extra cautious on slopes steeper than 35 degrees. Pulling out, traversing, or slulff management techniques are going to come into play.

Avalanche Discussion

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The snowpack has gotten a lot stronger, and now we are dealing with instabilities within the upper 2-3 feet. Winds have been dominating our mountains, forming a lot of slabs, and overall moving a lot of the new snow. The colder temperatures helped lock in a warmer, upside-down layer on Friday night which has allowed travel higher in the snowpack. Light dry snow is traveling fast and smooth for some amazing early conditions. 

Our Loose-dry snow avalanche problem could have been a lot more serious if the snow totals were on the upper end during the last cycle, however...be cautious of snow moving downhill with you as it may take a little longer given the colder than average temps...pack your warm gear, it is cold in the mountains!

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