Avalanche forecast

Selkirk Mountains

Idaho Panhandle Avalanche Center
View on map

Avalanche danger

Sat
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low
Open full map
Out of date — this forecast expired 4 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

Conditions are changing in the Backcountry, but Wind slabs, near the snow surface, are still the primary problem in the snowpack today. Wind slabs can be found on all aspects above treeline. Sudden changes in snow texture and/or firm snow are good indicators that you've found the wind slabs.  Traveling in sheltered areas today will the best way to find good snow and stay away from the primary avalanche problem.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Intense blowing weather earlier this week, followed by steady winds from recent days have made their impression in almost all locations throughout the area.  Smooth and irregular formations from wind transported snow have created dense textures in the snow. Wind slabs can be observed where formed near ridlines and other sheltered areas. These slabs can form over weaker, soft layers and should be avoided when in terrain steeper than 35 degrees at treeline and above.

  • Persistent Slabs

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

    Four day's of very cold temperatures have increased the growth of weak, sugary snow crystals around the "Lucky Friday Crust" buried 1 to 2 feet below the snowpack surface. Thursday we found this layer to be failing and propagating in stability tests and was proving to be more of a concern compared to observations taken on Monday.  This weak layer has the highest sensitivity in colder north facing terrain. Persistent weak layers are unpredictable by nature and this one has enough volume to be destructive if triggered. Keeping the slope angles low or travelling on ridgelines where the snowpack is scoured are the best ways to avoid triggering a slide on this weak layer right now.

  • Loose Wet

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1

    Solar Radiation from both direct sunlight and through fair cloud coverage has beefed up the density and weight of the top layers of the snow.  This can be found at lower elevations however, we noticed it significantly on our ski down through treeline.  Although Natural and human-triggered avalanches are considered unlikely, the presence of rapid warming, predominantly at lower elevations can be found today. Smart travel habits when entering these aspects strongly advised.  Avalanches can still be triggered on isolated features and in steep areas. Weather models are forecasting above freezing temperatures across the zone today up to 5000 ft.

     

     

    Warmer temps causing snow to fall on snow below causing the formation of a "Pinwheel" or "Rollerball".   

Avalanche Discussion

We traveled from the Trestle Peak parking area to find conditions mainly as expected. The Northerly winds last weekend still have a sharp impact on the upper elevations. Wind slab and persistent slab are the ongoing avalanche problems.  

Yesterday was Groundhogs Day. We have been talking about the same avalanche problems and layer interfaces.  Reading the forecast might be old. Today, it may figuratively feel like Groundhogs Day.  The good new is that enjoyable snow conditions will most likely be where the current avalanche problems are not. Additionally, continually reading the forecast in detail provides a way to gain the most from available information.  With the current conditions, and in general, take inspiration from Bill Murray (Groundhogs Day weatherman) making the most out of a redundant situation by finding the good aspects of a predicament.  

Regions covered