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Payette Avalanche Center

Public Observation

Observation Details

Observation Date:
December 23, 2021
Submitted:
December 24, 2021
Zone or Region:
Tamarack Out of Bounds
Activity:
Skiing/Snowboarding
Location:
Just Above Wildwood Bowl

Observed Avalanches

Did you observe any avalanches? 
Yes
Avalanche Type:
Dry Loose (Sluff)
Size:
Size 1: Relatively harmless to people
Elevation:
7232
Aspect:
N
Comments:
Steep Rocks near the Summit were shedding the new snow

Signs of Unstable Snow

Did you see shooting cracks? 
Yes, Isolated
Did you experience collapsing or whumpfing? 
No

Observations

We skied the 35-degree right side of Wildwood bowl cautiously avoiding the main steeper portions. Snowpit results were good, riding conditions were ok once you got off the ridge it was pleasant. Gut feelings: you could not pay me to ski the gut of avalanche terrain that was being loaded by the new snow...it was hard to stand up at times while watching my partner ski into wildwood.

Tamarack Patrol reported results in the upper foot of snow with explosives and cornice kicks. Around 2 PM the Summit chairlift closed due to 70 MPH gusts at the top of the lift. Small Rocks were blowing.

check out this video on youtube https://youtu.be/AHZL0GyR0yU

Media

Advanced Observations

Observed Avalanche Problem #1: 
Wind Slab
Comments: 
Northern terrain was getting loaded from strong winds, 1 long crack shot from skis on an edge of wildwood, right. Avoided the steeper portion of the bowl.
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