Bollettino valanghe

Salmon River Mountains

Payette Avalanche Center
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2 · Moderato
Limite del bosco
2 · Moderato
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1 · Debole
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In sintesi

Triggering a 1-3 foot thick avalanche in wind-drifted snow remains possible at elevations above 6,500 feet—particularly above 7,500 feet. Identify and avoid slopes with evidence of wind drifting or large cornices. Small, dry, loose slides will be possible on steep, shaded slopes and near cliffs and rocks if the sun pops out.

Problemi valanghivi

  • Wind Slabs

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

    The recent storm cycle laid down 2-3 feet of snow (3.5-4.5" SWE) over the last 5 days. Moderate to strong winds blew out of the S/SW. Wind slabs are becoming more stubborn in nature, but many slopes remain primed for a trigger (i.e., YOU). Over the past several days, we observed recent wind slab avalanche activity that likely peaked sometime on Tuesday (6th). You can view those HERE. These wind slabs were on exposed, east-facing terrain, above 7,500 feet, just beneath ridgelines and cornices. These same terrain features are where you're most likely to trigger a wind slab avalanche. 

    Dunes, pillows, and ripples on the snow surface are all indicators that the wind has been transporting snow. Cross loading can occur in terrain features such as gullies, ribs, and rolling terrain traps. If the snow you are moving through is becoming deeper and denser, you're likely moving through wind-deposited snow. Cracks shooting out from your skis or machine are a clear sign of an unstable slab. Evaluate the snowpack carefully as you move into upper-elevation terrain that has been affected by the wind.

     

    (1/7/2026)

    Wind Slab, D1.5, east aspect, ~7700 feet.

    Photo: Payette Avalanche Center

Avalanche Discussion

2026 has brought consistent precipitation and slightly cooler temperatures, resulting in lower rain/snow levels. The mountains have picked up 2-4 feet of snow (5" SWE) since the start of the new year. Most of the snow came in Saturday through Tuesday (3rd-6th). W/SW winds were cranking during these storms, and we saw wind slab avalanche activity peak sometime Tuesday (6th). As you start climbing into upper elevation terrain, you should be thinking about lingering wind slabs. Evidence will become more difficult to find as we move out of this recent storm cycle and into a spell of high pressure. People will no doubt be tempted to jump onto steep, upper-elevation slopes as the clear (and perhaps sunny) weather will make us feel invigorated and ready to charge. These are the same slopes that will be harboring wind slabs. Evaluate the snowpack as you move through terrain above 6,500 feet - especially above 7,500 feet. 

Recent storm snow may see sunshine today for the first time. If so, expect small, dry loose point releases around rocks, cliffs, and trees. These will likely be dry to start the day, but (depending on cloud cover) could become wetter during the afternoon hours. On steep, shaded aspects, expect dry loose surface snow (sluff) to move with you. All of these dry loose slides will be small, but could knock you off your feet in consequential terrain.   Before committing to big, steep, and consequential terrain, spend a bit of time thinking about the consequences of triggering and being caught in an avalanche in the terrain you are in. Even small slides can have bad outcomes on slopes with cliffs, trees, and terrain traps.

In the past month, we've seen the character of the snowpack across our region diverge significantly with elevation, primarily due to above-average temperatures and rainfall. The snowpack ranges from 7-8 feet (above 7,000 feet) to 2-5 feet (below 6,500 feet). Older weak layers have either a) become deeply buried and compressed in the upper-elevation case, and triggering avalanches on them is unlikely, or b) permeated with rainfall and have formed what is essentially a frozen cement brick of snow. Thus, our primary concern this season has been new snow and wind slabs. Below 6,500 feet, warmer-than-normal temperatures and rainfall have created challenging off-trail travel conditions. Open creeks, bushes, and exposed rocks and logs remain a concern at lower elevations.

If you're out in the mountains, submit an online observation HERE. Even simple snow and weather observations can help keep other users safe and help us craft a more reliable forecast for you.

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