Lawinenlagebericht

Selkirk Mountains

Idaho Panhandle Avalanche Center
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Lawinengefahr

Thu
Hochgebirge
1 · Gering
Waldgrenze
1 · Gering
Unterhalb
1 · Gering
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Kernpunkte

Most slopes are generally safe from avalanches. Old, stubborn wind-drifted slabs are becoming more difficult to trigger, but you might find slightly more reactive areas below ridgelines, on steep convex rollovers, and in cross-loaded gullies. Manage your terrain to limit how much time you spend on top of harder slabs of snow with a hollow or drum sound. Be mindful that a small avalanche in complex or extreme terrain could lead to a bad outcome without a solid exit plan.

Lawinenprobleme

  • Wind Slabs

    • Hochgebirge
    • Waldgrenze
    • Unterhalb der Waldgrenze
    Wahrscheinlichkeit
    Unlikely
    Größe
    1–1.5

    Isolated, wind-affected terrain may conceal a stiff-over-soft snowpack structure, where older wind slabs are beginning to settle. Although these wind slabs are becoming less reactive and more difficult to trigger, they still remain above tree line. These wind slabs now rest atop a variety of underlying snow surfaces, including sun crusts, wind-hardened layers, or weak, cohesionless snow. The sensitivity of these slabs will vary depending on the nature of the surface beneath them, which can result in inconsistent reactivity across different aspects and elevations.

    Pay close attention to slope orientation, as deeper drifting is more likely on easterly-facing slopes and cross-loaded terrain features. Areas beneath cornices or the backside of convex rolls are particularly prone to wind deposition, where slab stiffness can increase rapidly. If you encounter noticeably firmer snow surfaces in these areas, it’s best to avoid them, as they may harbor more reactive wind-drifted slabs and increase your risk of an unexpected avalanche trigger.

    Wind slabs above tree line are becoming more difficult to trigger, but should be carefully assessed before committing to more extreme terrain.

    Photo: Ben Bernall

Avalanche Discussion

Under the influence of dominant high pressure and mild weather, avalanche conditions are steadily improving, and the snowpack continues to stabilize following last week’s strong wind event. Winds affected virtually all aspects, leaving visible signs of wind loading from ridgelines to mid-slope. Now, several days after the peak wind activity, the existing wind slabs are becoming less sensitive and increasingly stubborn to trigger.

With pleasant weather and favorable ski conditions, this may be an opportune time to explore larger terrain. However, recent field observations indicate that older wind slabs consist of a denser, consolidated layer overlying softer snow beneath. While these slabs are becoming more stubborn, it is important to remember that triggering one in complex or high-stakes terrain could have serious consequences. Careful route selection remains essential, particularly in areas with convex rolls, ridgelines, or gullies where trigger points may still exist.

Observations above 7,000 feet remain sparse compared to lower elevations. Be mindful that as you venture into higher and more consequential terrain, you may encounter shallow snowpack interfaces similar to those observed at lower elevations, but potentially weaker. These subtle changes in snowpack conditions could make wind slabs more prone to failure under the added weight of a skier or machine. When selecting routes, have a good exit plan and avoid slopes that funnel into vegetated runouts or terrain traps. This proactive approach will help mitigate the risks associated with an unexpected avalanche release in complex terrain.

**On January 6, a very-large (D3) glide avalanche released in St Regis Basin in the Bitterroot Mountains. Additionally, the forecast staff has observed several other glide cracks in the Silver Valley and areas north that warrant attention. Avoid traveling on or below slopes where a glide crack has opened up. These types of avalanches are difficult to forecast when they will release.**

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