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Payette Avalanche Center

Public Observation

Observation Details

Observation Date:
December 30, 2021
Submitted:
December 30, 2021
Zone or Region:
Warm Lake area
Activity:
Skiing/Snowboarding
Location:
Warm lake area

Signs of Unstable Snow

Did you see shooting cracks? 
Yes, Isolated
Did you experience collapsing or whumpfing? 
Yes, Isolated

Observations

Settled 2 feet at 5300’ with 6 inches new from past few days. Snow was supportive but collapsed around shrubs and logs. (Photo 1).

This area has a rain shadow affect and is generally thinner than big creek summit. Snow depths remained 2-3 feet as high as 7000’. Log mazes were tricky to navigate at times.

Isolated minor wind slabs were cracking on se aspects on wind pillows (photo 2)

Too cold to dig a pit today. Did not enter Avalanche terrain and keep a cautious eye out for lurking sticks, stumps, and logs in the difficult visibility. This area had an “almost in” feel to it but needs more snow to cover the many logs.

Did not observe any natural activity during a sucker hole visibility minute.

Snow depths at 7800’ were closer to 4-5 feet.

Media

Small isolated collapsing near shrubs and logs
Small sensitive wind slabs on se aspects
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