Avalanche forecast

Avalanche forecast

Payette Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
3 · Considerable
Below
3 · Considerable
Out of date — this forecast expired 2 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

You are likely to trigger a wind slab avalanche today as continued Southwest winds upwards of 40mph have likely formed fresh wind slabs in leeward terrain amongst slabs that have formed recently. Persistent weak layers deeper in the snowpack may also be sensitive to the weight of a person. 

Avalanche terrain is going to be dangerous. loose dry snow avalanches are also possible in steep terrain.  Slopes steeper than 30 degrees should be treated with caution and the best travel protocols. Avoid wind-loaded terrain.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Likely
    Size
    1–2

    Winds have gusted into the 40+ mph range out of the Southwest and done a good job of moving snow and forming slabs in mostly East through North aspects in the mountains as well as down to the valley floor for the last few days. 

    Avoiding wind-loaded slopes is going to be your best bet today. Look for indicators of wind direction as some terrain has an effect on the wind, and may load a slope on a different aspect than what you may be expecting. If you are seeing cracking and or hearing or feeling collapsing, find another slope to travel on.

    (3/1/2024) Tamarack Resort-Wildwood bowl cornices growing from recent South winds Photo: George Halcom

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–2

    A dry spell last week formed a layer of surface hoar that was easily triggered Monday and reported being triggered yesterday, Saturday by a snowmobiler North of McCall. This layer is buried down about 12-24 inches.

    Pinning down the exact location where this problem exists is going to be somewhat difficult, but you are most likely to trigger this persistent weak layer in areas where the Sun and wind have not been able to break it down: like mid-elevation sheltered terrain.

    If you approach slopes steeper than 30 degrees that are sheltered, do so with caution and use good travel protocols like watching your partner from a great safe spot well out of avalanche terrain.

    (3/1/2024) Public Observation North of McCall:  cutting the east side of the groomed trail out of the Titus lot and it slid behind me leaving an 18” crown.

  • Loose Dry

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely
    Size
    1–2

    Where the wind has not stripped off the snow and the slope is steeper than 30 degrees it is possible to get the upper snowpack moving with you. Use extra caution around terrain traps (like cliffs and gullies) that would expose you to being carried into bad places by loose dry snow.

Avalanche Discussion

Dangerous avalanche conditions are abundant right now...Great riding and sliding can be found in terrain that is without consequence. Traveling in and around avalanche terrain is going to take skill and patience. Most aspects are going to be soft, so don't expose yourself or your group to more hazards than you need, and most importantly, stack every odd in your favor.

The basic things like wearing a transceiver, checking your partners for transceiver function, Shovel and probes on your back, traveling one at a time through terrain steeper than 30 degrees, and watching your partners from a safe spot are going to be prudent to success in the mountains. 

Today's advisory is sponsored by Mile High Powersports just South of McCall on Highway 55.