Human triggered avalanches are Likely today! The upper foot of the snowpack is unconsolidated and can move with you on steep slopes in the form of loose dry snow avalanches. Where light winds have accelerated, isolated, fresh wind slabs up to a foot thick or more have formed in exposed and leeward terrain. Be cautious in and around all slopes that are steeper than 30 degrees. Keep your eyes on your partners, and maintain good travel protocols.
Yesterday, we as well as others in the advisory area were able to get the upper foot of the snowpack to move with us as we descended stepper slopes. As you climb in elevation, more loose dry snow means you have a bigger dry, loose problem. Make sure that your lines don't have terrain that has consequences if you are knocked off course by your sluff.
Winds have been fairly light over the last couple of days and have varied from around the compass. While the winds were light, intermittent gusts were recorded that reached 30MPH mainly out of the South. Be suspect of loaded North terrain, but always pay attention to clues on the surface that indicate which direction the wind has loaded terrain as this can vary from local terrain influences.
This information is sponsored by Franklin Building Supply. Thank You for supporting the Payette Avalanche Center!
Our extended period of low to now avalanche danger has ended for now...Enough light dry snow has made for a great reset but has created enough problems that you are going to want to calm down a bit and think, and check your slope angle. Slopes steeper than 30 degrees are going to be suspect, especially sustained, longer steep slopes with consequences like rocks, trees, and cliffs. The light dry snow has helped form extended cornice lips that are likely to break off. Be cautious in and around cornices as they may break back much further than you think. Our snowpack is stable lower down, but the upper foot is made up of loose dry snow, graupel, near-surface facets, and in some areas there may be some lingering preserved surface hoar. The snow is going to take a few days or more to a bond given the cold temps forecasted this week.
Maintaining good safe travel protocols like exposing only one person at a time to slopes steeper than 30 degrees, carrying all of your rescue gear, and not parking in runout zones are going to be essential.
Stay safe, and have fun in the mountains!
*** We are curious to see what you are seeing...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
