Avalanche forecast

Avalanche forecast

Payette Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

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Out of date — this forecast expired 3 years ago.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

Several inches of new snowfall along with recent winds have made it possible to find wind slabs 6-12" thick above 7000' today. Wind-loading may occur in unusual places due to E/SE winds yesterday afternoon. Be on the lookout for sensitive wind slabs across multiple aspects above 7000'.

Today's avalanche forecast is sponsored by Tamarack Resort

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Winds were gusting into the 30 MPH range yesterday afternoon. Wind direction has ranged from E, SE, S, and SW. Yesterday, there were moderate amounts of snow available for transport to build fresh wind slabs. 1-3" of snow fell overnight, with another 2-4" possible today. Winds are forecasted to continue today out of the S/SW, gusting 20-30 MPH. It's possible to find wind slabs 6-12" thick above 7000' today. You'll be most likely to encounter these on W, NW, N, and NE aspects at or just below ridgelines. Due to recent atypical wind directions, look for wind loading in unusual places.

    Local terrain features can significantly alter prevailing wind patterns. Be on the lookout for fresh wind slab development across multiple aspects today, even as you travel down from ridgetops. Gullies, rollovers, and other micro-terrain features can become wind-loaded farther down the slope. Watch for obvious signs of instability like shooting cracks. Pay attention to clues like drifts, pillows, and fresh cornices. If you feel dense snow overlying weaker, softer snow, you've found a wind slab.

Avalanche Discussion

Every observation submission gets entered into the FPAC monthly raffle. If you submit an observation, you could win some great prizes courtesy of the FPAC. We've only had two submissions from motorized users this season. (The odds are stacked in your favor to win a prize for the motorized raffle). Tell us what you're seeing when you're out riding in the mountains. Observations (such as these recent ones) can greatly improve information for avalanche forecasts.