Avalanche forecast

Avalanche forecast

Payette Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Fri
Alpine
1 · Low
Treeline
1 · Low
Below
2 · Moderate
Out of date — this forecast expired 5 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

Triggering a wind slab avalanche in middle and upper elevation terrain is becoming unlikely, though not impossible. Temperatures barely got below freezing last night between 6000 and 7500 feet. This could increase the likelihood of wet loose avalanches today.

Avalanche problems

  • Loose Wet

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

    Wet loose avalanches are still worth mentioning in the discussion. We have not seen any evidence of wet loose avalanches during recent outings. The past four days we have seen temperatures slowly increase and the solar radiation has been spotty. Clouds moving through the advisory area have kept the solar radiation suppressed and therefore, surface heating of the snowpack has been minimal. Since yesterday afternoon, temperatures between 6500' and 7500' have been hovering around the freezing mark. These warmer temperatures could be enough to increase the likelihood of a wet snow problem in steeper, south-facing terrain. Keep an eye on south-facing slopes as the day progresses and stay out from underneath steep rocks and cliffs that may initiate a wet loose avalanche. 

    (1/13/2022)

    Temperatures at 6500' only saw a light freeze of 31F early this morning

    Photo: Kevin Studley

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Today, the likelihood of triggering the lingering wind slab is unlikely. These wind slabs have been healing since they were developed late last week. You are most likely to encounter this problem on terrain features above 7000 feet that face NW, N, NE, or E. Throughout our advisory area, these wind slabs have been unreactive in recent days. This problem peaked last Friday when we saw a large natural avalanche cycle with avalanches greater in destructive size than D2. Unlikely does not mean impossible. 

    Since the weather cleared last Saturday, winds have been blowing out of the E/SE in the light to moderate range. Although there is not much snow available for transport in middle and upper elevations, pay attention to the current wind direction and any fresh wind slab hazard.  Be aware of cornices, wind drifts, scoured snow, and wind pillows to help indicate the wind direction and the evidence of wind slab.

Avalanche Discussion

This information is sponsored by Brundage Mountain Resort. Thank you for supporting the Payette Avalanche Center!

Low avalanche hazard does not mean no avalanche hazard. Wind slabs, though unlikely, still exist. Large cornices have built on ridgetops in upper elevation terrain and pose a serious hazard to backcountry travelers. Wind-scoured snow on several different aspects can make skiing and riding conditions difficult and potentially dangerous on steep slopes. Keep an eye on steep, south-facing slopes as solar radiation increases, and beware of the terrain above you.

Consider the consequences before exposing yourself. Expose one person at a time on steeper slopes. Use safe travel protocols while traveling in the mountains.

 

*** 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 ahead of time.