Avalanche forecast

Avalanche forecast

Payette Avalanche Center
View on map

Avalanche danger

Sat
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Out of date — this forecast expired 5 years ago.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

Yesterday's storm put down 4-7 inches of new snow across the advisory area, slightly more in the southern portion of our area.  Winds were relatively light through most of the day yesterday and are gusting into the 20 mph range this morning.  Your primary concern today is going to be the formation of wind slabs near ridgelines and on exposed terrain.  You may also be able to trigger shallow storm slabs on steeper terrain.  Shallow sluffing or dry, loose avalanches will be likely if you are skiing or riding in steeper terrain.  Overall, this storm provided a much-needed refresh to a very stable snowpack and the shallow instabilities added by the new snow will be mending quickly as we return to high pressure over the next few days.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Winds across the forecast area were fairly light yesterday but increased overnight.  Through most of the day yesterday, the winds were generally out of the Southwest,  this morning we are seeing increasing winds out of the North with gusts into the mid 20 mph range.  You can expect to find shallow wind slabs on leeward slopes in the upper elevation and on exposed lower elevation terrain as well.  These wind slabs are resting on a variety of weak layers that have formed over the last 2 weeks and will make it easier to trigger an avalanche.  

Avalanche Discussion

This information is sponsored by C & M Backcountry Rentals and Adventures. Thank you for supporting the Payette Avalanche Center!

The new snow that fell over the last 24 hours was a great refresh to the conditions we have had for the last 2 weeks, it fell on a very stable snowpack and should provide you with some good skiing and riding conditions today.  With the abundance of crusts on many slopes prior to yesterday, 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 could be more touchy in some areas than others.  Yesterday, the new snow was warm enough that it was bonding to the old layers below in the area where we were traveling.   Some of the higher peaks and more exposed ridges saw enough wind to move some of the new snow around especially this morning as winds ramped up and the snow cooled and became easier to transport.   The combination of new snow, wind, and weak layers should make you reevaluate your travel choices and protocols until the new snow has a chance to bond with the older snow below.  Even shallow avalanches can push you where you don't want to go especially in steeper or more committing 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