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Payette Avalanche Center

Public Observation

Observation Details

Observation Date:
March 4, 2023
Submitted:
March 5, 2023
Zone or Region:
Lick Creek Area
Activity:
Skiing/Snowboarding
Location:
Lick Creek

Observed Avalanches

Did you observe any avalanches? 
Yes
Avalanche Type:
Dry Loose (Sluff)
Size:
Size 1: Relatively harmless to people
Elevation:
8000
Aspect:
NW
Comments:
Observed several natural point releases cascade a few hundred feet down over very steep rocky terrain

Signs of Unstable Snow

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

Observations

Encountered good stability that gave us confidence to travel and ride in avalanche terrain. Collapsing was isolated to shallower rocky areas on a west facing aspect at 7600’. Saw natural dry loose point releases at a distance on a very steep, rocky NW aspect and had easily manageable sluff where we rode, but avoided terrain traps that could have made it more challenging. Observed large cornices on north and north west ridge tops, and visible clues of wind effect at the west facing ridge, but did not find wind slabs in that location.
Wind was calm to light throughout the day, out of the southwest. Snowfall was very light and intermittent.

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