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Out of date — this forecast expired 4 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

Winds have most recently loaded West terrain and created sensitive slabs but be cautious on all aspects above 7,000 feet. The upper 2 feet of snow is cold and loose and has the potential to move on steep slopes. 

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Winds have been gusting most recently out of the North and East. We have had reports of West aspects being loaded. Be cautious on all aspects at upper elevations where the terrain is exposed and can influence wind loading in unusual ways.  If you are seeing red flags like cracking or sounds like whumphs in the snowpack turn around and find another safer route. Last week we had a decent natural wind slab avalanche cycle that formed on Northen aspects from SSW winds. 

    (1/23/2023)

    Slabby snow formed from recent winds on Sgts NE ridge. Cracking was limited to this isolated, small area

    Photo: GH

Avalanche Discussion

This forecast is sponsored by Franklin Building Supply. Thank you for supporting the Payette Avalanche Center!

The upper 2 feet of the snowpack is staying very cold and is loose which has been great for sliding and riding. The threat of small amounts of loose snow pushing you into bad places like terrain traps and cliffs is real, yet should be easily manageable on sustained slopes steeper than 35 degrees. Continue to use your best travel protocols on slopes steeper than 30 degrees. While we haven't had reports of people triggering avalanches within the last week and the chances of triggering an avalanche on buried weak layers are dwindling, the structure begs respect as it is within the upper 2 feet which can be influenced by the weight of a skier or rider. Our test pits are showing strengthening and a lack of propagation on buried weak layers of near-surface facets and buried surface hoar, but we are still playing it safe and implementing any sort of safety protocol that we can.

Watch your partners from safe spots while they are on slopes steeper than 30 degrees, go one at a time, and make sure you all are wearing your avalanche transceiver and carrying a probe and shovel on your back.

Don't miss a free 2-hour avalanche presentation from Idaho Parks and Recreation at Mile High Powersports this Friday night because you need to attend that to attend the field portion the next day at the West Face trailhead near Bear Creek Lodge on Saturday, the 28th which is also the FPAC fundraiser! Come support the Friends of the Payette Avalanche Center's Annual Fundraiser at the Poderosa Center!