Avalanche forecast

Avalanche forecast

Payette Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

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Out of date — this forecast expired 4 years ago.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

Highlights

Wind slabs remain possible in upper elevation terrain. The size of a wind slab avalanche will most likely be small, except where winds have filled in old avalanches from last week, wind slabs could be deeper in these locations. Pay attention to clues that indicate wind slab development (drifted snow, scoured or etched snow surface, hollow or slabby feeling). If you are finding these clues, find a safe travel route away from consequences such as terrain traps.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Yesterday, NW winds were easily transporting light surface snow at upper elevations. Above 8000' there was wind slab development since our last storm on Friday. You may encounter deeper wind slabs where wind-deposited snow has filled in the bed surface from the widespread avalanche cycle last Tuesday. Some of these avalanches were up to a foot thick and we've had light snow and strong winds since then. Winds have easily filled in old crowns and bed surfaces from previous avalanches. 

    Look for drifts, etching of snow surface, or other indicators of wind slab development. If you notice the snow become punchy or hollow feeling, you have found this wind slab and you should choose a safe route to more stable snow conditions.

     

    (3/7/2022)

    Wind transport on ridgetops at upper elevation

    Photo: PAC

Avalanche Discussion

Today's Advisory is sponsored by Franklin Building Supply just South of McCall on Highway 55. Thank You For Supporting the Payette Avalanche Center!

  • Wind Slab: Yesterday, moderate NW winds continued to transport snow at upper elevations. There has been consistent wind slab development since last Friday. These wind slabs are likely to be small in size but could have large consequences in steep terrain or in places with terrain traps. Pay attention to the snow as you travel into upper elevation terrain and dial back terrain selection if you encounter evidence of wind slab. Watch for deeper wind slabs to have formed where avalanches released last week. Some of these crowns and bed surfaces were up to a foot thick and winds have deposited snow since last week, filling in these old crowns and bed surfaces.
  • 02/14 weak layer: Yesterday was the second time I received propagation results in an extended column test all season. Both results were on the same layer that was buried on 02/14. There are small (0.5 mm) rounded facets below this weak layer and larger (1.0-1.5 mm) slightly less-rounded facets above this weak layer. This is likely the weak layer that failed during last week's avalanche cycle. Steep slopes that slid on this weak layer are no longer a problem (see point mentioned above though). However, there may be slopes that did not release naturally where this weak layer should still be in your mind. Snowmobilers in particular should be wary of this weak layer as it is buried about two feet deep and takes a lot of force to produce results.