Avalanche forecast

Selkirk Mountains

Idaho Panhandle Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

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

Fresh snowfall and elevated winds have formed fresh slabs near and above the treeline. Drifts around 6 inches deep or more will likely be more reactive to a rider or machine, but slides should stay confined to the new snow helping limit their potential size. This is thanks to recent warm temperatures aiding slab consolidation and stiffening above our longtime nemesis the January Drought Layer. While deeply buried persistent grains still loom and continue to fail in tests, the ability to impact them continues to wane with each passing day. If venturing into exposed terrain near and above the treeline, identify drifted areas by their smooth, rounded appearance and choose another slope if you see cracking in the snow.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Starting Tuesday afternoon, a much-needed refresh of snow fell across the region and delivered a couple new inches of higher density snow. The Selkirks and Cabinets received slightly higher totals, with upper elevations seeing 3"-5" of fresh snow, while the more southern Bitterroots saw closer to 2"-4".  This new snow, combined with moderate wind speeds from the southwest/west will drift new slabs below ridgelines and in exposed areas. These new slabs have formed on a variety of surfaces but are likely to be more reactive on aspects where the new snow drifted onto a denser crust. Cracking within the snow and shooting cracks extending from your skis or snowmachine are signs that these new drifts exists.  

    (3/5/2025)

    A fresh Wind Slab avalanche (red box) on a northeast-facing slope on Jeru Peak. This slide likely ran early this morning or overnight during a period of heavy snowfall and elevated winds. The new snow sits on a firm crust from last weekend's warm temperatures. Selkirk Mountains. March 5, 2025.

    Photo: Chris Bilbrey

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely
    Size
    2–3

    Cooler, below freezing temperatures have helped to lock up and refreeze a previously saturated and weak snowpack. Moisture from rain and heavy snow in late February have evolved to a stout rain crust that is helping to bridge the January Drought Layer (JDL) below. The snowpack is trending in the right direction, but we can't write off the persistent slab problem yet. You still might be able to find the exact trigger point that could influence these stubborn and lingering weak JDL grains in shallow and rocky terrain features, or in areas at the upper elevations that are sheltered and didn't develop as thick of a rain crust. Because these persistent weak grains are now buried over 2-3 feet deep, they are becoming more and more difficult to influence on skis, but a heavier snowmobile has a greater chance of trenching down deep enough to reach these weak layers and trigger a large to very large avalanche. 

    (2/27/2025)

    A large, wide breaking avalanche on the East Wall above Upper Stevens Lake. This slide likely ran February 22-23 and we suspect broke in persistent grains buried around a month ago. Bitterroot Mountains. February 27, 2025.

    Photo: Chris Bilbrey

Avalanche Discussion

Following an unseasonably warm spell, temperatures have lowered to below freezing and a small refresh of new snow has blanketed the mountains. The snowpack continues to evolve with the change in weather, and with it so does the current avalanche hazard. Today’s hazard is largely driven by new snow and moderate winds. Fresh wind slabs that could develop over 6" deep can be identified by cracking in the new snow, or as a smooth and rounded pillow. Prior to the new snow, much of the surface was hard packed and most of the terrain developed a firm and breakable crust. Small pockets of softer snow might still be found on the most sheltered and north facing aspects, but the new wind slabs are likely to be more reactive on slopes that had a preexisting firm bed surface. 

Although the snowpack is trending in the right direction now thanks to cooling temperatures, we cannot completely forget about the stubborn persistent slab problem yet. A thick and stout rain crust that developed in late February is becoming increasingly more frozen and more difficult to break through, which is helping to conceal the JDL and older weak grains that now sit over 2-3 feet deep. However, there are still areas sprinkled amongst the terrain that could be potential trigger points. Places where you might be able to awaken the JDL layer exist around areas where the snowpack is much shallower, and the weak grains are closer to the surface. Terrain features like rocky outcroppings or wind scoured and exposed slopes could be potential trigger points. Before committing to large and steep terrain, take a moment to dig down and assess how the snowpack is locking up. Keeping a mental log of how the surface changes based on aspect and elevation as you move through the mountains will give you clues as to what areas will provide and best areas to ski and ride. 

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