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

With new snow on the ground and the sun coming out now’s a great time to get outside to recreate! But remember low and moderate avalanche danger ratings don’t mean no danger. Strong winds over the past few days with amble new snow are the recipe for wind slabs. Steep start zones on all aspects at upper elevations are likely places to trigger a wind slab avalanche. Wind sheltered areas will have the best riding conditions today.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    The cold front that moved in on Wednesday was accompanied by strong winds from the East and Northeast. Periods of sustained wind in the 20-30mph range with gusts into the 50’s had plenty of energy to transport and pack new low-density snow into cohesive slabs. This wind pattern indicates formation of wind slabs below ridge lines and cross loaded terrain on West and Southwest aspects. However, the front had enough energy to create turbulence that deposited wind effected snow on all aspects. Anticipate the possibility of sensitive wind slabs in steep start zones on all aspects today.

Avalanche Discussion

Following a windy couple of days, we see a break in the weather today with winds decreasing and blue bird skies. Wednesday night ridge line wind speeds exceeded 50 miles an hour, and these strong winds continued into Thursday with wind speeds in the mid 20’s during the day. This wind storm came in blowing dominantly from the North East, and East. These wind patterns are atypical for our area, and with unusual winds you can expect to see wind loading and wind slabs on aspects that we typically don’t have this hazard. Over time these wind slabs will heal and become less likely to trigger, but should remain on your radar today if you venture into the upper elevations.

Other things to note that we are keeping an eye on in our snowpack are layers that exist above the thick February 3rd rain crust. About 5cm up from the rain crust we are seeing facets develop and become more defined as colder weather continues. This potential weak layer hasn’t shown consistent propagation, but is worth mentioning as we watch how it develops. Another layer buried just below the storm snow that we are keeping an eye on is a layer of buried surface hoar that developed on 2/9. This layer is more sporadic than the developing facets and hasn’t shown its ability to propagate yet. You can likely find this small buried surface hoar on less sun affected slopes at mid and upper elevations. We will need to see consistent propagation and more data before we add these to a persistent slab problem.

There’s some great skiing and riding conditions out there right now and a clear and sunny day will only add to that. Be mindful of wind loaded areas and any shooting cracks underneath your skis or machine in steep terrain that indicate you are traveling on slopes that have the potential to be harboring wind slabs.

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