Avalanche forecast

Silver Valley & Bitterroot Mountains

Idaho Panhandle Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Sat
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low
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Highlights

Today will be the third day in a row that the temperature has failed to drop below freezing at mid and upper elevations. With temperatures today again forecast to reach into the 50’s wet avalanche problems are our big concern. Cloud cover could create a thermal blanket likely to warm surface snow on all aspects. Pinwheels, rollerballs, and snow sticking to your skis are signs that the upper snowpack is wet and has lost stability. Plan your day and route to be off of avalanchable terrain by midday.

Avalanche problems

  • Loose Wet

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Likely
    Size
    1.5–2

    Both human triggered and natural wet loose slides are likely today on steep slopes greater than 35 degrees. The hazard will increase throughout the day as the temperature of surface snow rises, so be off and out from under steep slopes early.

    Pin wheels and roller balls are tell-tale signs that the snow surface is becoming wet and the danger of wet loose slides is rising. Snow that you can squeeze water out of and that sticks to your skis or skins are also signs that it is time to head for the truck.

  • Cornices

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–2

    Cornices are sagging and loosing strength, making them more likely to fail and send heavy and hard debris downslope. Besides the danger posed by the cornice fall itself, the impact can initiate larger avalanches. Travel on the windward side of ridges and give cornices a wide berth, as they may break much further back than you might expect.

Avalanche Discussion

The above average temperatures have introduced moisture to the snowpack. As temperatures again rise into the 50’s today the upper snowpack will become saturated and loose strength, leading to an increased potential for wet loose avalanches and cornice failures that could step down to buried persistent weak layers. Because of cloud cover, the elevated temperature will be felt on all aspects, although the effects may not be as pronounced as a slope exposed to full sun on a cloudless day. The above average temperatures should continue through the weekend without dropping below freezing.

Burials in wet snow in gullies or deep debris piles are very dangerous. Loose wet slides are likened to cement flows that run far, set up hard and fast, and may step down to trigger wet slab avalanches on buried weak layers that have been lubricated by liquid water. For these reasons wet loose slides introduce a degree of unpredictable danger.

Safe springtime snow travel involves avoiding danger by limiting time spent on, or under, steep slopes during periods of prolonged warming. Get out early when the snowpack is still firm and plan to be off avalanchable terrain by midday. Wet slides can run surprisingly far, so be well clear of runout zones when you pause or regroup.

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