Avalanche forecast

Avalanche forecast

Payette Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

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Out of date — this forecast expired 5 years ago.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

Highlights

A trace of new snow graced the advisory area yesterday with strong north winds. The chance of encountering shallow wind slabs will be slightly elevated today on certain aspects. These wind slabs will be very small and relatively harmless to people. Shallow wind slabs may be found on SW/S/SE facing terrain. 

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Winds picked up yesterday afternoon in the mountains and blew moderate to strong out of the north ahead of the front (video here). This storm was a little teaser and dropped anywhere from 1-3" of snow in our advisory area. Even a few inches of new snow, coupled with strong winds, can build small wind slabs.

    Winds blew out of the N/NW until late last night and slightly shifted, blowing out of the NE with gusts into the low 30's (photo here). Your best chance for encountering a wind slab will be on slopes that face S/SE/SW maybe even E. As you're traveling in the mountains today, observe changes in the snow depth and feel to indicate the presence of a shallow wind slab (think stiff, punchy snow, small drifts).  The recent snow will be resting on firm snow surfaces (crusts, previously wind-scoured snow) and will not bond well to old snow.

Avalanche Discussion

This information is sponsored by Franklin Building Supply. Thank you for supporting the Payette Avalanche Center!

Unfortunately, the fast-moving storm system that rolled through our advisory area yesterday afternoon didn't amount to much. Though the size of a human-triggered wind slab will be small and relatively harmless, the likelihood of triggering is increased today. Even a shallow wind slab could be enough to knock you off your feet and send you into terrain you would not want to visit. This issue will likely not pose a high risk to snow machines, you should still be attentive today in the mountains.  

We did find some buried surface hoar yesterday. This was not exactly a sheltered location. The snow grains were not upright, were bonded well to snow from last Thursday, and did not show us any signs of instability in our tests. Buried surface hoar and near-surface facets could be lurking in more sheltered and protected locations.

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