Avalanche forecast

Selkirk 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

The snowpack is gaining strength and stability since the last storm cycle. Variability still exists within storm snow layers of grapel, melt freeze layers, and previous wind affect areas.  Make conservative decisions when managing the backcountry. 

Avalanche problems

  • Persistent Slabs

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

    The storm last week has left us with multiple persistent issues in the snowpack to monitor. The primary concern is a crust layer located 30-40 cm below the surface. Test scores and observations conducted yesterday indicate that this layer is resistant to failure, although it may exhibit increased reactivity in isolated areas and could become more susceptible in the coming days. It'd be a good idea to look for this layer toaday and test it if your traveling in avalanche terrain.

    Triggering instabilities in the wind slabs has proven challenging as well. No cracking or breaking was observed in the wind slabs during yesterday's assessments. Given the recent heavy snowfall, it is advisable to exercise caution when traveling near and around wind-loaded slopes. It is particularly recommended to avoid wind-loaded slopes directly beneath rock outcroppings or slopes with significant consequences.

    View from Lunch Peak on a beautiful day. Notice the recent cross-loading

    Photo: Brian Hilland

Avalanche Discussion

The snowpack has changed a lot in the last week and half. Total snowpack heights in the middle and upper mountain elevations are now around 5 - 8 feet deep. From February 25th to March 5th the Selkirk/Cabinet zone received between 7.2 and 10.4 inches of snow water equivalent (SWE) and strong South winds. This storm snow is currently consolidating to about 3 - 4.5 feet storm snow. 

Current surface snow is mainly dry low density snow but there is also variability. Wind affect, sun crusts, and surface hoar are all present surfaces that may be potential future problem layers once buried.

The large amounts of recent storm snow is gaining strength and stability is increasing. Yet, some uncertainty exists on current snowpack stability. Variability exists within storm snow layers of grapel,  melt freeze layers, and previous wind affect.  Additionally, low density snowfall and moderate southerly winds earlier this week from Monday are added on top. Large avalanches are possible in isolated areas.

Thank you to Brad Sawtel (former Avalanche Forecaster for CAIC) for the backcountry observations yesterday! We benefit from reading your observations. Please submit what you see on the IPAC website. Look for the 'Observation' tab.

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