Lawinenlagebericht

Silver Valley & Bitterroot Mountains

Idaho Panhandle Avalanche Center
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Lawinengefahr

Sun
Hochgebirge
1 · Gering
Waldgrenze
2 · Mässig
Unterhalb
2 · Mässig
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Kernpunkte

Warm temperatures today will cause loose-wet avalanches in steep terrain today below 6,000'. These avalanches will generally be small in size, pay attention to the consequences of taking a small ride today and choose your terrain accordingly. Upper elevations will become more stable as the temperatures lower and the upper snowpack locks back together.

Lawinenprobleme

  • Loose Wet

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

    It is likely you will see small, wet-loose avalanches releasing naturally on all aspects in steep terrain today below treeline. Avalanches may not be big enough to bury you, but it is a good day to think about consequences and what is below you when choosing terrain. Steep slopes above cliffs or terrain traps can amplify consequences and burial depth. Loose-wet avalanches will decrease on Sunday as the freezing mark drops to 3,500'. Pay attention to the surface conditions out there today. If you see roller-balls, loose-wet avalanches or have soft mushy snow underfoot then you will want to stay off the steep stuff. 

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Wind slabs formed earlier in the week under south to southeast winds. Temperature's will trend downward Saturday and Sunday and reduce the risk of wind slab or cornice failure above treeline. If temperature's stay below freezing as predicted today at upper elevations this problem will not be an issue and the snowpack will likely remain firm and locked together. If the temperature's rise above the freezing mark above treeline it is time to take a hard look before committing to steep terrain at upper elevations.

Avalanche Discussion

This week observations were taken in the Stevens/Willow area on Monday and Rabbit Gulch on Thursday. On Monday we found evidence of wind loading and fairly reactive wind slabs on north and westerly aspects, but an otherwise stable snowpack. On Thursday, Kyla and Issy performed stability tests on a thinner and southerly facing snowpack. No concerning result's were found, but there were some failure's in the snowpack on the crust layer. On Friday warm temp's and rain were observed to the top of the mountains with the Silver Mtn. station recording a high of 42 degrees! Gross!

I would like to take a minute to point out that "avalanche advisories" are written and valid for a 24 hour period. Within that time frame much can change regarding stability for better or worse, often that is influenced by temperature or moisture. This is such a time in avalanche forecasting. Often these forecasts rely on knowledge of what has happened recently and woven into what is predicted. Today we should see things improve stability wise at upper elevations as the temperatures were dropping last night. At elevation's above 6,000' the snowpack will likely lock back together as the temperature's drop. Regardless of the weather forecast, pay attention to the temp's and signs of warming at your location. Loose-wet slides and roller balls are clues that the upper snowpack is weak and has potential to create small avalanches in steep terrain. Unfortunately as the temps drop the surface will not only become more stable, but also firm and crusty, which really isn't great for riding in my opinion. 

There is still room in the IPAC avalanche class roster. Check them out by clicking on the link below!!

https://www.idahopanhandleavalanche.org/friends-ipac-avalanche-safety-courses

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