Avalanche forecast

Salmon River Mountains

Payette Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Fri
Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
2 · Moderate
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Highlights

Triggering an avalanche 1-2 feet deep is likely today on wind-loaded slopes above 6,500'. Expect rising avalanche danger as the day progresses. Continue to practice safe backcountry travel habits, evaluate the snowpack before getting on slopes steeper than 35 degrees or slopes near steeper terrain, avoid wind-loaded slopes & give terrain near or under cornices a wide buffer. 

If you observe cracking or collapsing,  or encounter stiff drifts of snow, find another lower-angle slope. Below 6500' wet loose avalanches 8-12" deep are possible on slopes steeper than 35 degrees. 

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Over the last few days the mountains picked up around 12-14 inches of new snow that is is high-density (heavier) and along with W/SW winds  in the 20 mph range. You can expect to find wind slabs this afternoon up to 1-2 feet thick mainly on North and east-facing slopes above 6,500 feet, however local terrrain can influence where the snow will load so pay attention to clues as you could find slabs on other aspects also.

    Wind slabs will be most sensitive just below corniced ridgelines. Look for clues of wind-affected snow, such as drifts, dunes, pillows, and freshly built cornices. Watch for signs of instability, such as shooting cracks in your skis, board, or sled. If you're observing these signs, find another aspect away from wind-drifted snow.

    Pay attention to how well the new snow has bonded to the underlying crusts before committing to steep slopes. Strong winds and local terrain features can alter the prevailing wind direction. Pay attention to cross-loading and wind-loading on unsuspecting slopes.

  • Loose Wet

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

    Below 6,500 feet over last few days, the snowpack has been rained on and has not been re-frozen. 2-8 inches of new snow sits on top of wet snow. This setup may fail on slopes steeper than 35 degrees and behave dry and wet with a depth of 8-12 inches or more. Aproach steep lower elevation with caution as there are likely freshly buried rocks and logs that you could run into. 

Avalanche Discussion

For the time being, with an additional 8-12 inches or more of new snow (plus a healthy portion of zonal-flow W wind) favoring the northern portion of the Salmon River Range, we expect to see a wide range in avalanche activity. Many of these may be small and occur at low to middle elevations, running as wet-loose avalanches or point releases. Above 6,500, larger avalanche activity will most likely be in the form of wind slabs of newly-drifted snow. Either way, conditions moving into the weekend will become increasingly dangerous. March produced very little snowfall, but it’s time to turn the avalanche brain on once again. Cautious route-finding, traveling one at a time, and carrying the proper gear.

This Friday, we are having our end-of-season Shebang at Toll Station Pizza in McCall. Come join us from 6-8 pm for great pizza, raffle prizes, quick education, and community bonding...see you there.

The last avalanche forecast of the season will be published this Sunday. The observations page will always function and is a great resource for the shoulder season...If you're out in the mountains, submit an observation on our website or through the Avy App. Tag us #payetteavy

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