Avalanche forecast

Avalanche forecast

Payette Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
3 · Considerable
Below
2 · Moderate
Out of date — this forecast expired 6 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

The Avalanche Hazard in the West Central Mountains is CONSIDERABLE on all aspects today above 7,000 feet. Persistent slabs up to 2.5 feet deep have formed over weak layers and are sensitive to the weight of a person. Wind slabs should be expected on all leeward terrain.  Human triggered avalanches were reported yesterday, and are possible today!  Avoid steep terrain, and keep your eyes on your partners as you enjoy the deep snow.

Avalanche problems

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–3

    The mountains have received over 2 feet of new snow in the last 5 days.  We now have a soft slab about 2-2.5 feet deep that formed over weak snow, which was the result of natural avalanches and human-triggered avalanches yesterday... This soft slab is resting on a variety of bed surfaces that the new snow is not bonding to.  The rain crust from the 1/12/21 storm, sun crusts, and a combination of surface hoar and near-surface facets formed on the surface of the snow at the beginning of the week.

    Collapsing,  whumphing and cracking have been very widespread.  It is a VERY good day to stay off of and away from slopes over 30 degrees.  Buried surface hoar can be unpredictable, and failover large areas very quickly.

    Safe travel and mellow terrain choices are cheap insurance right now. 

    Skier triggered avalanche on buried surface hoar yesterday (1/29/2021) at Lick Cr Summit...photo courtesy of Payette Powder Guide Andy Keck

  • Wind Slabs

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

     The winds have swirled around and have loaded, and cross-loaded upper elevation slopes in unusual ways. Natural avalanches were observed yesterday across much of our area North of McCall...These winds were able to easily scour the soft snow from the windward aspects leaving a polished crust and deposit that snow on leeward: E, NE, N, NW, and some W facing slopes.   Watch for stiff drifts and wind slabs on leeward terrain even well below the ridgetops. 

    Avoid natural terrain traps like gullies, east/west ridges, and bowls that are catching the blowing snow right now.  Pay attention to the consistency and density of the snow under your skis, sled, or moto while you travel through different terrain.  A sudden change in the surface of the snow is a good indicator of wind slab formation.

      

     

    Natural wind slab avalanches were observed yesterday...some were blanketed by a couple of new inches of snow.

Avalanche Discussion

There are multiple buried weak layers and crust/facet combinations in the upper portion of our snowpack right now. The addition of new snow and windblown snow on these layers is providing in your face warnings to avoid steep terrain.  Don't ignore red flags like cracking, collapsing, and recent avalanches in any terrain right now.  Stick to low angle slopes in the backcountry and do not travel without avalanche rescue gear and solid partners.  

If you see or trigger avalanche activity, please take the time to snap a picture and note the approximate elevation and aspect, you can submit an observation on our website. Getting your info helps forecasters and other users get a better picture of the conditions throughout our mountains.

*Also, Please be mindful of other users, and where you are at. There are closures for motorized travel in and around the local ski areas, Granite Mtn, and other areas throughout our region.

***Check out the Winter Travel Map to find out where you can shred on your sled or moto.