Avalanche forecast

Selkirk Mountains

Idaho Panhandle Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

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

Light snowfall has been falling at all elevations and the snowpack is fairly stable. South and southwest winds have been loading most north and northeast facing slopes.  Wind slabs are possible to trigger in steep terrain.  Be cautious of new snow that fell directly on wind scoured and previously loaded areas.   

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–1.5

    Fresh snow delivered by southwest winds has developed wind slabs on northeast aspects from middle to upper elevations. Expect to see an increase in this problem as new snow and winds will be transported in this upcoming storm cycle. High winds have scoured a lot of the terrain at upper elevations near unsheltered ridgelines, however new snow may deposit and conceal areas where wind has previously affected the snowpack.  Wind slabs may be stubborn, but are still possible to trigger.  

    Cornice Development 

    Photo: K. Davis

    Cabinet Mountains

  • Loose Dry

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–1.5

    With the load of the new snow coming and sitting on top of light density snow, dry loose avalanches can trigger slab avalanches that break into deeper layers in the snowpack.  We can expect to see some "sluffing" snow  which is usually relatively harmless to people. They can be hazardous if you are caught and carried into or over a terrain trap (e.g. gully, rocks, dense timber, cliffs, or down a long slope).  Be aware of sluffs when traveling in steep terrain where Loose Dry avalanches are likely.

  • Persistent Slabs

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

    We are still experiencing failures and signs of weakness at the "Lucky Friday" crust. This persistent weak layer is deteriorating and hopefully will not be a problem much longer, however this will continue to be an issue until the temperatures warm up or new snow arrives.  This problem is unlikely to be triggered and is isolated to areas within the Middle and Upper elevations.

Avalanche Discussion

On Monday, Kevin Davis and myself toured up Trestle Creek in the Cabinets.  We decided to take the western approach of the Bologna Bowl where wind had scoured most of the new snow along the ridgeline. Along the ridge we saw a variability within the snow surface densities as we climbed along from bullet proof conditions to light density snow sitting on top of wind scoured slopes.  New snow from the last storm has provided some astounding, first-class turns in low angle trees. 

We had conducted a stability test on our ascent where results were stubborn and did not produce anything that propagated easily at upper elevations on a western aspect. We advise that everyone travel carefully near areas where wind has stiffened the upper layer of the new snow.

The snowpack overall is pretty stable; however, we will need to keep our eyes out for the snow coming in on Tuesday. Pay attention to the density of the new snow as it may be overlying lower density snow.  Most of the wind slabs that developed last week are unlikely to be triggered, but be on the lookout for more recent wind loaded areas with new snow and transporting winds present Tuesday. 

DOUG ABROMEIT AVALANCHE SCHOLARSHIP

Every year the Friends of the Idaho Panhandle Avalanche Center celebrates the work and life of Doug Abromeit (1948-2013) by starting the winter season with the Doug Abromeit Avalanche Scholarship. Doug was a native of Sandpoint, Idaho.

The Scholarship will provide one recipient admission to a Level 1 Avalanche Course conducted by the Idaho Panhandle Avalanche Center.  Applicants must be between the ages of 14 and 24. Essays must be submitted by March 15th, 2023. Please include your name, age, mailing address and a phone number. 

Electronic versions, pdf or doc files please, can be emailed to [email protected].  The Scholarship winner will be announced on April 12th. Winners will attend the Level 1 Avalanche Course in 2024.  Dependents under the age of 18 will need written parental consent to attend.  

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