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Payette Avalanche Center

Public Observation

Observation Details

Observation Date:
February 17, 2021
Submitted:
February 18, 2021
Zone or Region:
Big Creek Summit
Activity:
Skiing/Snowboarding
Location:
Six bit Creek

Signs of Unstable Snow

None reported

Observations

2-3" new during the day including 1/2" of graupel that fell in about 10 minutes in one squall. There will be areas of pooled graupel.

Some solar aspects were crusted in the afternoon.

I am still traveling as per considerable hazard. The lack of in your face warning signs has the potential to lure unsuspecting travelers into booby traps, myself included.

I want to give a shout out to the County plow guy! He got two of the pullouts plowed while having truck issues, Great Job!

Don't forget to check our fundraising auction this week, lots of good stuff!

Toddeo - FPAC Board of Directors

Advanced Observations

Observed Avalanche Problem #1: 
Wind Slab
Comments: 
Lots of wind today, gusting to at least 25 mph at at times. Transport off of the ridge lines. Stiff snow on exposed north facing slopes. Easy to get propagation below shallow wind slabs up to 6" thick in hand pits/ECTs. No cracking in this area. Had to rebreak my skin track every run in exposed areas. wind drifts on the highway in the afternoon.
Observed Avalanche Problem #2: 
Storm Slab
Comments: 
Hand pits/ECTs indicated a density inversion at the base of the storm snow from the last couple of days at 12-14" deep. Propagation in all attempts in the easy range.
Observed Avalanche Problem #3: 
Deep Persistent Slab
Comments: 
Based on what I saw this last weekend, this is still lurking but is likely getting harder to trigger. I'm thinking it has reached the low probability/high consequence realm but am still giving it a lot of respect, Spooky to say the least. Basically need to stay off of the big stuff.
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