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Out of date — this forecast expired 2 years ago.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

Rain will be falling for the second day up to 6500'. Wet loose avalanches are likely across all aspects below the rain/snow line. Above 7000', you are likely to trigger a storm slab one or more feet thick. More rain and snow will be falling today maintaining dangerous avalanche conditions.

An Avalanche Warning will expire this morning. Dangerous avalanche conditions will exist for the remainder of the day.

Avalanche problems

  • Loose Wet

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

    Rain levels averaged between 6-6500' across the region yesterday afternoon into the evening. Temperatures have been hovering around freezing overnight at 6500'. This morning, another round of rain will be falling up to around 6500. Warm temperatures and a 24-hour period of rain on snow will create wet loose avalanches. Wet slides could entrain at least 12" of the upper snowpack, maybe more in places. Pay attention to the terrain above you, even on groomed trails, especially steep road cuts. Watch out for terrain traps, such as gullies, depressions, and other seemingly benign features that can funnel wet snow and pile up deeply.

    (4/12/2023)

    Wet loose debris blocking most of the road.

    Photo: Studley

  • Storm Slabs

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

    6-12" of heavy wet snow fell yesterday and was sensitive to remote triggering. Storm slabs will remain sensitive to human triggering again today. Another round with 3-6" of snow is forecasted for today. Adding more weight to an already touchy slab of new snow. This wet, heavy snow fell atop a myriad of snow surfaces including: wind crusts, melt-freeze crusts, and soft, light snow. Storm slabs will feel "upside down" on some of these existing snow surfaces and will be found across all aspects above the rain/snow line (6500'). Sensitive storm slabs combined with wet loose avalanches will make it very challenging to travel safely in and amongst avalanche terrain.

    Additional Discussion: Moderate to strong SW winds blew this snow around and formed wind slabs 12"+ thick. Wind slabs will be most reactive above 7000' on north and east-facing aspects. Wind and storm slabs will have a very similar flavor today. The takeaway is that all new storm snow will be sensitive to human triggering. 

     

    (2/23/2025)

    Remotely-triggered storm slab, 25 cm (10") down on new/old interface

    Photo: Payette Powder Guides

Avalanche Discussion

An atmospheric river brought warm and wet weather to the West Central Mountains Sunday, which will persist through today. Safe travel in avalanche terrain will be very difficult today. Another day of rain on snow will create dangerous wet loose avalanche conditions below 6500'. If you head into upper elevation terrain to "stay dry", you will be greeted with new snow avalanche problems (storm slabs and wind slabs). Local professionals reported touchy conditions, with remotely triggering new snow. Similarly dangerous conditions will be found today as warm, wet weather continues at least through Monday evening. Strange weather creates strange avalanche conditions. Don't try to outsmart the snow and mountains today. Play it safe, with a high degree of uncertainty, have a flexible travel plan.