Avalanche forecast

Avalanche forecast

Payette Avalanche Center
View on map

Avalanche danger

Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
2 · Moderate
Out of date — this forecast expired last year. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

The avalanche danger will be LOW this morning, but will rise to MODERATE this afternoon as wet loose avalanches become likely on slopes that are getting cooked by the sun.

Up to a foot of dry snow from earlier this week will be getting drenched by April sunshine today on solar aspects. Wet loose avalanches will be most active on south-facing slopes above 7000'. Widespread melt-freeze crusts about one foot beneath the surface could provide a smooth bed surface for wet loose avalanches to slide on by this afternoon. If you're sinking in past your ankles into soft, mushy snow, it's time to find another aspect to be on.

Avalanche problems

  • Loose Wet

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

    8-10" of recent snowfall from this week will be getting wet today with warming temperatures and abundant spring sunshine. Expect to see wet loose activity begin mid to late morning on E/SE slopes above 7000'. Wet loose slides will follow the sun around the southern half of the compass, potentially increasing in size and sensitivity. Wet loose acitivity should peak on W/SW slopes this afternoon at the mid to upper elevations. With peak heating in the afternoon, we could see wet loose activity on shaded aspects below 7000'.

    Pay attention to how long the sun has been cooking certain slopes. Dig into the snow with your hand to see how much snow is getting wet. Look for surface crusts becoming wet and soft. Pinwheels or rollerballs are an indication that wet loose avalanches are becoming likely. Give large, over-hanging cornices a wide berth during afternoon heating.

    (4/4/2025) Photo: Kevin Studley

Avalanche Discussion

The upper snowpack will undergo a transition this weekend. Warming temperatures and abundant high-angle sunshine will increase the likelihood of wet loose avalanches. These transitions from dry snow to wet can often be quite messy. We saw progressively more sunshine throughout the week, with some areas developing surface crusts as early as Thursday or Friday. Depending on aspect and elevation, some slopes have held cooler, drier snow. I expect dry snow to become less and less of a commodity this weekend as temperatures are forecasted to reach the mid to upper 40s in the mountains by Sunday. Solar slopes will likely be shedding new snow as daytime heating increases. I would avoid being on or underneath steep slopes getting cooked by the sun, especially this afternoon.

Spring Mindset

Springtime is when mountain travelers push for bigger objectives. We have greater confidence in the stability of the snowpack and the high sun angle makes us feel ready to charge. As we start stepping out into bigger terrain in the mountains, be mindful of consequences (ask yourself, "If this slides, what will happen?"). Choose your terrain appropriately and manage new/surface snow problems accordingly.  Be aware that dynamic weather can have quick impacts on the snow surface. A common theme I've noticed over the last 15 years playing in steep, snowy mountains is that experienced, seasoned people often get caught in small avalanches in big terrain during the spring. We have a tendency to underestimate "manageable" new snow problems like wind slab and loose snow. Pay attention to changing weather and know that small shifts in spring weather can have dramatic impacts on the upper snowpack.

Spring weather patterns are often erratic. Overcast skies and snow showers can open up to full sunshine in a matter of minutes. Convective snow showers can be spotty and difficult to forecast. Temperatures can vary depending on elevation and unexpected cloud cover can significantly alter a weather forecast. It's important to stay flexible in your travel plans throughout the mountains. 

Want to support your local avalanche forecast? Submit an observation. Submitting an observation on our website is a great way to help forecasters gather more information and improve avalanche forecasts.

Understanding Avalanche Safety Preparedness – 5-Minute Survey for Motorized Users

Eastern Oregon University is conducting a survey to better understand avalanche safety preparedness among motorized backcountry users like you. Your feedback will help us learn more about who is purchasing and practicing with avalanche rescue gear (beacon, probe, shovel) and participating in avalanche education—and why some riders aren’t.  The survey is confidential and anonymous. Go to the survey here.