Bulletin d’avalanche

Bulletin d’avalanche

Payette Avalanche Center
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Danger d’avalanche

Mon
Alpin
3 · Marqué
Limite forestière
2 · Modéré
Sous la limite
2 · Modéré
Périmé — ce bulletin a expiré 5 years ago. Vous consultez des conditions passées, pas le bulletin en cours.

Points saillants

Stiff wind slabs still exist in middle and upper elevation terrain features. These avalanches could be large to very large. The sun will be in full effect today. Watch for wet loose avalanches on south-facing slopes in all elevations.

Problèmes avalancheux

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpin
    • Limite forestière
    • Sous la limite forestière
    Probabilité
    Possible
    Taille
    1–2.5

    The possibility exists today of triggering a wind slab avalanche in middle and upper elevation terrain throughout the advisory area. You may encounter this problem on multiple aspects throughout this terrain. Although the winds have certainly decreased in the past 48 hours and the weather has cleared, a stiff slab is still resting atop lighter snow within many terrain features in these upper elevations. These wind slabs are very firm and can range in thickness anywhere from 1-3 feet deep. These avalanches have the destructive force to bury, injure, or kill a person.

    Yesterday, we observed evidence of several natural avalanches that ran during the end of last week's multi-day storm. Pictured on the right is one photo of several taken yesterday from a natural avalanche that likely ran sometime between Thursday afternoon and Friday morning. These wind slabs are settling and gaining strength. This hazard demands our respect and a wide margin of safety should be given to terrain features suspected of holding these wind slabs. As you're traveling in the mountains, tune into clues in your environment (think drifts, pillows, scoured snow surfaces, and cornices). 

    (1/8/2022)

    HS-N-R3-D2.5-S, 7400' NE aspect

    Photo: Kevin Studley

  • Loose Wet

    • Alpin
    • Limite forestière
    • Sous la limite forestière
    Probabilité
    Possible
    Taille
    1–1.5

    Yesterday, the sun reminded us that it still exists. Clouds were scattered through the day and temperatures remained cool at upper elevations. Today is expected to be clear and sunny with temperatures in the mid'20s at upper elevations. This strong solar radiation will increase the possibility of triggering a point release within the new snow as it warms in the sun.  These wet loose avalanches occur in conjunction with two things: strong solar radiation and an increase in moisture in the upper snowpack. Be aware of these two factors are you're traveling through the mountains today. Keep an eye on steep south-facing slopes that may have exposed rocks or other dark objects that retain solar energy.

Avalanche Discussion

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The best indicator of avalanche danger is the sign of avalanches. Yesterday, we toured in the Lick creek zone and witnessed evidence of several D2-D3 size avalanches that ran naturally during the last storm cycle. Many of these natural avalanches were initiated in wind-loaded terrain and ran several hundred feet down the slope into the softer storm snow. This hazard should be your biggest concern today. Entering into middle and upper elevation terrain, you should still be exercising caution in and around these wind-loaded features. Be aware of cornices, wind drifts, scoured snow, and wind pillows to help indicate the wind direction and the evidence of wind slab.

The clear, warm, sunny days following a storm can be the most deadly. Why? Because that's when all of us humans like to get out in the mountains and recreate in the snow. The sunshine and bluebird sky instill confidence that we don't necessarily feel when it's snowing an inch an hour and the winds blowing 40 miles per hour. I bring this point up for two reasons. First, the sunshine will contribute to one of our avalanche problems today. Wet loose avalanches will be possible at middle and upper first, then as inversions clear, could be possible at lower elevations. Keep an eye on south-facing slopes as the day progresses and stay out from underneath steep rocks and cliffs that may initiate a wet loose avalanche. Secondly, I can attest to how amazing it felt to be out in the mountains yesterday enjoying the sunshine and clear skies. We could finally see the surrounding mountain ranges and the vitamin D felt good. Don't allow this sensation to lure you into terrain that you may otherwise not venture into. Maintain a travel plan with your partners and re-evaluate it throughout the day. Just because slopes look tempting to ski, ride, or highmark, the snowpack may not share our sun-inspired confidence. Consider the consequences before exposing yourself.

*** Check out our Observations Page to see what others are seeing...We are always looking for more Information from snowmobilers and skiers on snow and weather conditions. These observations help our forecasts and they help other users in and outside of the community.

It can be quick with or without a photo…Use the Observations link at the top of the page to submit your observations. If you experience any unfortunate technical issues please email us at [email protected]…Thanks ahead of time.