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Payette Avalanche Center

Professional Observation

Basic Information

Observation Details

Observation Date:
November 18, 2022 - November 18, 2022
Submitted:
November 18, 2022
Observer:
Pro
Zone or Region:
Goose Lake Area
Location:
Granite

Signs of Unstable Snow

Recent Avalanches? 
None Observed
Cracking? 
Isolated
Collapsing? 
None Experienced
Minor cracking of wind slabs near ridges

Snow Stability

Stability Rating: 
Good
Confidence in Rating: 
Moderate
Stability Trend: 
Steady

Bottom Line

Main avalanche concern was isolated wind slabs in alpine terrain. Lots of wind effects from north winds in higher elevations, settled soft snow in middle elevation shady aspects. Widespread near surface faceting (future weak layer) in sheltered shady terrain. We felt comfortable in avalanche terrain on non wind affected slopes. Found 1.5-3 feet.

Media

Wind slab easily cracking
Ski track from Wednesday with wind filled snow.
Widespread surface hoar/near surface faceting in sheltered terrain.
Supportive snow for snowmobile travel on 65 cms/ 26 inches at 6700’
Widespread wind affected terrain in alpine.

Advanced Information

Weather Summary

Cloud Cover:
Clear
Temperature:
28
Wind:
Moderate , NE

Cool in the shade but comfortable in the sun with a chilly wind along the ridge.

Avalanche Observations

Did not see any signs of avalanche.

Snowpack Observations

Dug a quick pit on a due north aspect at 8000’ in a wind loaded area. Found 40 inches total with a reactive surface wind slab. The snowpack was right side up and didn’t have any glaring weak layers. Found wet basal facets on top of the rocks that I was able to make a snowball out. Not much concern with current snowpack but variable surface conditions will be problematic moving forward with our next snowfall.

Pit profile at 8000’ due north aspect in wind loaded area.
Wind slab in pit.

Avalanche Problems

Problem Location Distribution Sensitivity Size Comments
Wind Slab
Isolated
Specific
Widespread
Unreactive
Stubborn
Reactive
Touchy
D1
D1.5
D2
D2.5
D3
D3.5
D4
D4.5
D5
Layer Depth/Date: 3 inches
Minor wind slabs along the ridge not too reactive and isolated.

Terrain Use

We ventured into the wind textured alpine and found a mixed bag of surface conditions. Wind board, wind textured but soft snow, solar crusts, and wind sheltered soft snow. Early season conditions kept us out of steeper rocky terrain. Thinner snow around rocks was noticeable weakening due to prolonged cold temperatures.

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