Avalanche forecast

Avalanche forecast

Payette Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

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Out of date — this forecast expired 3 years ago.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

Highlights

Triggering persistent weak layers in the lower, Very shallow-shallow snowpack is becoming difficult yet still possible.

Use extra caution during these early season conditions, and especially on steep, rocky slopesabove 7,000 feet on shadier, E, NE, N, & NW aspects.

Avalanche problems

  • Persistent Slabs

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

    Our snowpack has a couple of layers of facets and most notably a layer of weak snow that formed in November. We have seen test scores vary across the advisory area, mostly producing failures that propagate.  Recent observations show a trend towards stabilizing, yet with the low probability this would still point towards high consequence.   Steep North aspects above 7,000 feet are holding the weakest snow, especially in rocky terrain. 

Avalanche Discussion

Poor structure within the lower part of our snowpack still exists and the snowpack is very shallow, especially on the solar aspects. The likelihood of triggering the weak layers in the lower snowpack is fading, yet still possible. Buried treasure is abundant and not what you want to run into.  North aspects are deeper and softer and also hold the weakest snow. Use caution right now while low/early season conditions could increase the trauma from a small avalanche. Not much snow exists on solar aspects below 7,000 feet right now.

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