Bollettino valanghe

Generally safe avalanche conditions exist. Human triggered, shallow wind slab avalanches are unlikely, yet not completely impossible in isolated upper elevation wind exposed and loaded terrain. Small, wet loose natural avalanches that should be relatively harmless to people are going to be possible as the Sun and warming temperatures loosen the snow surface today on aspects that face the Sun. 

Continue safe travel protocols like spreading out, and exposing only one person at a time to slopes steeper than 30 degrees.

Today's advisory is sponsored by Franklin Building Supply in McCall...Thank you for supporting the Payette Avalanche Center!

Five days now and no new snow. Weather forecasters are talking about increasing chances for snow next Monday...hopefully, they are right? Until then, enjoy the lower avalanche hazard and soft snow that still exists in shady corners where people haven't found it yet.

Remember to still be prepared for the worst-case scenario in the backcountry. Maintaining good travel protocols like exposing only one person at a time to steep slopes is always a good idea. The 10 plus inches of snow that graced our advisory area last week was low-density snow coupled with winds from all around the compass. Until next Monday when we may get more snow, we will see low avalanche danger. The likelihood of triggering an old wind slab is very unlikely, though not completely impossible. 

Our small snowpack problems are confined to the upper foot or so and are as follows:

• Wet Loose, it's February, the sun is slowly creeping further up into the sky creating a higher sun angle. What does this mean? The shaded north-facing terrain that was protected from solar radiation in December and January will begin to feel the effects of the sun more with each day.  Watch for warming temperatures and solar radiation heating rocks, cliffs, trees, and other objects that may shed snow or create a wet snow hazard. 
• Dry Loose, with the low-density snow we received last week and the cold, clear nights anticipated for the week ahead, you may encounter loose snow (a.k.a sluff) in steeper, north-facing terrain. Watch for light snow traveling easily on or near the surface. Sluff management may become necessary if you find yourself in steeper terrain that is long or sustained and has exposure. 
• Wind Slab, shallow wind slabs were formed last week with the low-density snow we received. Even though encountering a wind slab problem has become unlikely, you should still be on the lookout for potential pockets in upper elevation, leeward terrain.

*** 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.

Submitting an observation 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 

***Motorized users, please be aware that there are some areas of the Payette National Forest that are closed to motorized use, some of these closures are to protect wildlife and some are to protect other recreators.  Check out the Winter Travel Map below for details

https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/fseprd891395.pdf