Avalanche forecast

Avalanche forecast

Payette Avalanche Center
View on map

Avalanche danger

Fri
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
2 · Moderate
Out of date — this forecast expired 4 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

The avalanche hazard is Moderate today.  Human triggered avalanches are possible and occurred earlier this week.   Expect to encounter instabilities just below the new snow on the 3/1 crust. (this is the layer that was failing earlier this week under the weight of a single skier).  Deeper instabilities are also present below the 2/14 crust where a layer of faceted snow has been growing.  You may also find sensitive layers of wind deposited snow at or near ridgelines. With increased complexity in the snowpack, use caution as you choose slopes to recreate on today and over the next few days.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    It is possible that you may encounter areas of wind deposited snow resting on weak layers below. Winds earlier this week gusted between 30 and 45 mph throughout the advisory area.  I encountered some freshly deposited pillows and drifts yesterday but was unable to trigger them with a ski cut or by jumping on them.  Cornices also grew substantially with the high winds and some fresh snow.  Pay attention to visual clues near ridgelines and in areas where blowing snow can be deposited.

    (3/14/2022) Evidence of wind-deposited snow from windward to leeward terrain.

  • Loose Wet

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1

    Yesterday, the temps warmed up and today will be slightly warmer.  Expect roller ball, point releases, and wet loose activity to pick up on slopes facing the sun. These can be problematic if you are skiing on steeper slopes or in confined terrain. 

  • Persistent Slabs

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

    The snow we received earlier this week fell on a variety of weak layers including a slick crust(Feb 28-March 1 Rain Event), and a layer of faceted snow above the crust that developed over the last 2 weeks. While this slab is made up of the new snow layer, it has now transitioned into a persistent slab problem that will likely stick with us for a while.  Additionally, there is a layer of faceted snow below the crust that developed during the same period of mostly high pressure.  Monday, Kevin was able to remotely trigger an avalanche south of Tamarack Resort on the layer above the crust, and yesterday, I experienced several large whumps that were likely in the layer below the crust.  Also worth noting is a deeper layer of loose, faceted snow that has been growing below the 2/14 crust. If you are poking around in the snow in different areas, we would love to see your observations on this layer as it is highly variable between slopes and in areas where it failed naturally during the early March rain event.

     

    Our snowpack is becoming more complex. Multiple weak layers exist just below the new snow as well as deeper in the snowpack.

Avalanche Discussion

Today's Advisory is sponsored by Brundage Mountain Resort.   Thank You For Supporting the Payette Avalanche Center!

Your snow and avalanches senses should be on high alert today in the mountains. Our avalanche hazard today is complex and should keep even the most experienced professionals alert to changing conditions. We have three distinct avalanche problems that each offer a different hazard.

  • Persistent slab:  This week's storm added weight and stress to a buried weak layer on the rain crust from early March.  We are also watching a deeper layer that has been growing and weakening below the Valentine's Day crust. (see pit photos below)
  • Wind slab: Fresh wind slabs were created and were reactive earlier this week.  Watch for clues of wind slabs (drifted snow, pillows, large cornices, slabby or hollow feeling snow). Stay clear of steep slopes harboring recent wind slabs.
  • Wet loose: Temperatures will begin rising today and the sun will be affecting the snowpack through the first half of the day. Watch for signs of shallow wet loose instability in the form of point releases, roller balls that begin spontaneously or may be triggered if you are riding or sliding on steep slopes facing the sun.