Lawinenlagebericht

Selkirk Mountains

Idaho Panhandle Avalanche Center
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Lawinengefahr

Wed
Hochgebirge
3 · Erheblich
Waldgrenze
3 · Erheblich
Unterhalb
2 · Mässig
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Kernpunkte

This week starts with a somber reminder of why the avalanche forecast is so important. This past week has been the deadliest week in US history for avalanche fatalities since 1910. 15 people have lost their lives this week in avalanches. Our hearts go out to the family and friends effected by these tragedies.

Most western snowpacks are experiencing widespread deep persistent weak snowpack instabilities. Our snowpack in the Silver Valley, Selkirks/Cabinets are no exception. There have been many reports of big avalanches in the Silver Valley and Selkirk/Cabinets. Skiers and sleders are experiencing propagation over long distances and it’s catching experienced sleders and skiers by surprise. Currently, dangerous avalanche conditions exist in near treeline on all aspects as well as above treeline on leeward slopes. Cautious route finding and accurate snowpack evaluation are essential. Natural avalanches are possible and human triggered avalanches are likely on slopes over 25 degrees. Yes, you heard me right…25 degrees! Basing travel decisions on past experiences (terrain familiarity) can get you in trouble. Safe zones used in the past may not be safe zones right now.

Lawinenprobleme

  • Deep Persistent Slabs

    • Hochgebirge
    • Waldgrenze
    • Unterhalb der Waldgrenze
    Wahrscheinlichkeit
    Likely
    Größe
    1–3

    Deep intabitities in the snowpack are creating dangerous avalanche conditions over all aspects and zones near and above treeline. The new snow over the past week has loaded these layers to increase the depth of the potential avalanche and increase the consequence. Avalanches triggered on the buried persistant layers are propagating and traveling great distances. There are many reports of avalanches being triggered from the bottom of slopes (in the flats) and traveling hundreds of feet to produce avalanches on low angle slopes. 

    Stay clear of avalanche runout zones and don't count on dence trees as a safe zone.

    This layer is now buried up to 3 feet

  • Storm Slabs

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

    The colder temperatures are keeping the snow from the past week feeling soft and new. Up to 22'' fell over the past 7 days. The new snow is creating more of an issue in the Silver Valley than the mountains in the northern panhandle mountains. The storm over the past week tracked out of the SW and favored the mountains surrounding the Silver Valley. The added weight of the new snow could trigger deeper instabitites as well.

    (2/4/2021) Remote trigger on buried surface hoar.

Avalanche Discussion

After a week of snow it looks like we're heading into a cold snap. Weather forecast show a drop in temperature over the next couple days. Temps will bottom out on Thursday night with temps well into the negative numbers. The cold temps will preserve our snowpack for the time being. The biggest changes I see over the next week will be some faceting near the surface due to the temperature swings and the soft snow on the surface will continue to be transported by the wind. Wind slabs formation and cornice growth will be expected until temps warm up. 

These are unprecedented times with our local snowpack and the backcountry community as a whole. Please respect the conditions of the snow in the backcountry and stay safe!

Pro tips:

1. Avalanches are traveling long distances. Normal safe zones may not be safe. Avoid runout zones, even if they're flat.

2. Dence trees can not be considered safe right now. 

3. Avalanches are occuring on low angle slopes. Expect avalanches on slopes greater than 25 degrees. Aviod terrain traps.

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