Lawinenlagebericht

Silver Valley & Bitterroot Mountains

Idaho Panhandle Avalanche Center
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Lawinengefahr

Sat
Hochgebirge
1 · Gering
Waldgrenze
1 · Gering
Unterhalb
1 · Gering
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Veraltet — dieser Lagebericht ist 2 years ago abgelaufen. Du siehst vergangene Verhältnisse, nicht den aktuellen Bericht.

Kernpunkte

The snowpack has become stable with cooler nighttime temperatures, however temperatures stayed above freezing last night over much of the forecast zone, even at higher elevations. Gusty winds have moved any available snow, likely creating small stubborn wind slabs at higher elevations. Rain and rapid warming will weaken the snow. Travel when the snow surface is colder and stronger. Avoid lee and cross-loaded terrain near ridges; opt for sheltered or wind-scoured areas instead.

Lawinenprobleme

  • Loose Wet

    • Hochgebirge
    • Waldgrenze
    • Unterhalb der Waldgrenze
    Wahrscheinlichkeit
    Possible
    Größe
    1–2

    Potential for wet loose avalanches is widespread at all elevations as warmer weather accompanied by rain/ snow showers affect the upper snowpack. Point releases and pinwheeling can be found near where the snow is weakest in steep, confined or near exposed rock croppings. While they typically move slowly, they often carry enough mass to pose a serious threat to snowmobilers or skiers if caught in their paths. There's a possibility for human-triggered avalanches at treeline and above on all aspects.

  • Wind Slabs

    • Hochgebirge
    • Waldgrenze
    • Unterhalb der Waldgrenze
    Wahrscheinlichkeit
    Unlikely
    Größe
    1–2

    Light snow showers accompanied by strong westerly winds have fostered wind slab development since yesterday afternoon at higher elevations, specifically leeward on north-easterly slopes. Though natural avalanches are unlikely, human-triggered avalanches are still possible.

Avalanche Discussion

The snowpack has gained stability over the last few nights and does not shown signs of propagation, however last night failed to refreeze over much of our forecast zone, including upper elevations. Temperatures are set to cool and precipitation enter the area in the next few days. If you choose to venture out the next few days, it's essential to remain mindful of these evolving conditions and exercise caution when selecting terrain. The most dangerous avalanche terrain and the problem type will evolve throughout the week.

Conditions tend to become safer when the temps are cooler and the snowpack resets by refreezing overnight. However, temperatures last night hovered just around freezing so a hard refreeze was not guaranteed. Wet avalanches will most likely happen in steep, confined and cliffy terrain at treeline and above in all aspects. When temperatures reach and stay above freezing, the likelihood of an avalanche increases as rain and snowmelt penetrate deeper into the snowpack, weakening layers near the surface. It's advisable to travel early in the day when the snow surface is colder and stronger. Keep an eye out for fresh roller balls, which signal that the snowpack surface is becoming weak and unstable. Plan your trips to avoid crossing on or under very steep slopes in the afternoon when the snow is melting.

Strong, gusty winds out of the west-southwest will begin to affect ridgetops and slopes leeward above treeline, aiding the development of wind slabs on northern and easterly slopes. Wind slabs can be avoided by sticking to sheltered or wind-scoured areas and off cross-loaded or leeward slopes.

Looking ahead, the National Weather Service describes the weather forecast for this weekend as “wet and unsettled.” Chances of accumulating snow increase Saturday into Sunday. Be aware of changing conditions and take note of how new snow bonds to the melt/freeze crust on the surface.

You're Invited to Participate in the Survey! Are you a skier, snowmobiler, snowshoer, ice climber, or someone who ventures into the backcountry? Your insights are valuable to us. We're conducting a survey to delve deeper into how avalanche forecast information influences trip planning and decision-making. By dedicating just 20 minutes of your time to complete this survey, you're aiding efforts to improve avalanche risk communication. Your feedback will shape the future of how avalanche forecasts are disseminated and understood, potentially saving lives and enhancing outdoor experiences. Participate in the survey by following this link: https://caic2024.avalancheresearch.ca/en/

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