Payette Avalanche Center
Avalanche Advisories and Mountain Weather information for the Payette and Boise National Forests

Spring time can offer great conditions for skiing and riding and after a winter like this one we may be able to continue riding well into the early summer. In general it’s best to start your backcountry tours early and move off the steep slopes before the heat of the day sets in. Some days your window of opportunity may be longer than others, but what you are trying to avoid is traveling on a wet or water saturated snow pack. Wet snow avalanches occur due to water traveling through the snow pack from snow melt or rain. Snow melt can occur from direct sun, warm temperatures or geothermal heat coming from the ground. And while rain usually doesn’t have a significant effect on older corn snow it can cause rapid loading and releasing on cold dry snow. because of the variables involved wet snow avalanches are sometimes harder to predict than dry snow avalanches. If you’re heading out into the backcountry look for periods of warm daytime temps with solid refreezing temperatures at night. Once you’re out there plan to move off the steep slopes before they start heating up, if you’re sinking in a little it’s one thing, but once you start sinking in past the tops of your boots you’ve probably overstayed your welcome.

This advisory provided by the Payette National Forest Avalanche Center:
In partnership with: Idaho department of Parks and Recreation and the Idaho snowmobile license plate program.

DISCLAIMER: Above is information on each factor affecting today's danger rating. All factors must be considered to develop a backcountry travel plan that will reduce your risk.