Lawinenlagebericht

Selkirk Mountains

Idaho Panhandle Avalanche Center
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Lawinengefahr

Sat
Hochgebirge
2 · Mässig
Waldgrenze
2 · Mässig
Unterhalb
2 · Mässig
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Veraltet — dieser Lagebericht ist 4 years ago abgelaufen. Du siehst vergangene Verhältnisse, nicht den aktuellen Bericht.

Kernpunkte

Expect storm slab reactivity to increase today as new snow and rain fall across the region. Weight will be added to the snowpack, as significant amounts of precipitation are forecasted. Heightened avalanche conditions exist. Terrain and snow should be evaluated carefully.

Lawinenprobleme

  • Loose Wet

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

    The rainline across the Selkirk/Cabinet zone is forecast to move up to 6300' ft today and deliver up to 1'' of Snow water equivalant (SWE). Rain on the top portion of the snowpack will lubricate the snow in the upper snowpack making it more susceptable to avalanching. The rain primarily effects the surface snow, creating a loose snow avalanche problem, but it also adds weight to the snowpack which negatively effects deeper instabilities in the pack. I have less confidence in the current snowpack with the arrival of rain. It will be best to give the snowpack a couple of days to absorb the rain and stabilize again. The snowpack is generally at it's weakest during or right after the rain. Avoid steep slopes where wet loose avalanches are possible.

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Wind slabs across the region will have an increased load on them due to the rain. Increased load will stress the stability of the wind slabs, and inch them closer to a point of failure. I'd give wind loaded areas a wide berth today. Until the rain ends and the snowpack recovers from the increased load, it'd be best to travel elsewhere. 

  • Storm Slabs

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

    Fluctuations today in snow/rain, winds, and warm temps can cause quick snowpack changes. In most areas, recent storm snow is overlying surface hoar from last week. Check for slab sensitivity: how easy and clean an interface breaks.  In addition to looking for snowpack red flags, use quick hand pits, and skin/sled track cuts while in simple terrain.

Avalanche Discussion

Yesterday, Brian and Micah toured near the Snow Creek drainage in the vicinity of the Cooks Lake Area.  They started at around 5200' and it was a noticeably warm start to the tour.  At around 5600' they began to take note of evidence of a layer of buried surface hoar mixed in with some fragmented snow lingering about 15 cm beneath the surface. They did not experience any "red flags," including no signs of natural avalanches.  Most of the new snow in the area had fallen without much influence of wind. The primary avalanche problem we are experiencing currently is the result of snow brought in over the recent days. Between storms, the snowpack surface has been affected either by warming, cold nights or rain. 

Relatively mild temperatures and light winds have created excellent skiing and riding conditions. Winds have been predominantly calm in the Selkirks since Tuesday evening. Wind slabs across the zone continue to get deeper and stiffer; however, near surface facets can be found anywhere from 10 cm to 20 cm underneath new snow from the last storm cycle.  Over time, the snowpack can stiffen up and the sensitivity can go up as well.  Further, if additional weight is added to this snowpack, you will need to evaluate this layer as you venture into the backcountry. We will have to watch this in the near future to see how the snow above it may affect this layer.Have a great day! Might be a great day to break out that rain slicker! 

The Idaho Panhandle Idaho Avalanche Center still has openings in our avalanche classes. Snowmobiler, skier or both...there's a class for YOU and your riding partner!  Remember, Avalanche Education is a lifelong journey.Register via the Education tab on our websiteQuestions? [email protected]

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