Bollettino valanghe

Bollettino valanghe

Payette Avalanche Center
Vedi sulla mappa

Pericolo valanghe

Alta quota
2 · Moderato
Limite del bosco
2 · Moderato
Sotto il limite
1 · Debole
Non aggiornato — questo bollettino è scaduto 3 years ago. Stai vedendo condizioni passate, non il bollettino in corso.

In sintesi

Triggering an avalanche within persistent weak layers near the ground remains possible. You're most likely to get into trouble on steep, north-facing terrain above 7000'. Shallow wind slabs formed above 7000' and could easily initiate a small avalanche.

Problemi valanghivi

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alta quota
    • Limite del bosco
    • Sotto il limite del bosco
    Probabilità
    Possible
    Dimensione
    1–2

    Triggering an avalanche on old November snow near the base of the snowpack is possible if you find yourself in the wrong spot. You're most likely to encounter this "wrong spot" on steep, north-facing terrain above 7000'.  Test pits continue to show inconsistent results. Some locations show no propagation on this weak layer and some do. Yesterday, I dug a pit on a steep, rocky slope facing NE. The video to the right shows what you could find there. This is the worst case scenario. The best way to manage this problem is to avoid this terrain. Unforuntately, this persistent weak layer is not disappearing anytime soon.  The weight of a snowmachine is more likely to impact these buried weak layers than the weight of a person.

    ADDITIONAL DISCUSSION

    A few inches of snow fell earlier this week with SW winds. Yesterday, we observed some small amounts of wind loading on NW through E aspects above 7000'. This new snow was failing easily in wind-loaded terrain. Although very shallow, sensitive wind slabs could pack a punch if you find yourself in steep, consequential terrain. Another reason to have a healthy dose of skepticism of steep, north-facing terrain at upper elevation.

Avalanche Discussion

Yesterday, we were out snowmobiling and touring north of Josephine Lake. You can find an observation here. The persistent weak layer near the base of our snowpack continues to rear its ugly head and produce inconsistent results. Triggering an avalanche on the November facets has been trending toward unlikely. However, we continue to see signs that indicate human-triggered avalanches are still possible. Unfortunately, the places you're most likely to find yourself in trouble are the same slopes that are holding the most snow. (Shaded slopes that are above 7000'). The weight of a snowmachine is more likely to impact these buried weak layers than the weight of a person. 

Another persistent weak layer has formed in the upper portion of the snowpack. Yesterday, we found a weak layer of small facets that formed beneath a melt-freeze crust that was buried on 12/22. This weak layer has the potential to trigger small avalanches. This weak layer was reactive across elevation bands and was most sensitive in wind-loaded terrain. Although shallow (4-6" deep), small avalanches could cause some serious damage in steep terrain with unburied obstacles. 

Please continue sharing your observations this season.  We have a brand new observation platform. Check it out here. Have you been out in the mountains and want to submit an observation of your own? Submitting an observation improves your skills, informs other users, and benefits avalanche forecasts. Simple photos highlighting conditions are very helpful.

Join FPAC and the PAC Forecasters on 12/28 at McCall’s Foresters Bar for our first State of the Snowpack talk at 6PM.  We will also be showing 208 Production’s White Gold to  get our 2 stroke stoke on, and raffling off a season passes from Tamarack and Brundage.  We will also have some of our new swag and some additional raffle items.  Come out and support the PAC and the Friends and find out what is going on with our snowpack.