Avalanche forecast

Selkirk Mountains

Idaho Panhandle Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Wed
Alpine
1 · Low
Treeline
1 · Low
Below
1 · Low
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Out of date — this forecast expired 5 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

A breakable rain crust still dominates the surface of the snowpack on all aspects and elevations across the Selkirks and Cabinet mountains. Potential weak layers deeper in the snowpack are showing strength and a lot of resistance to failure. Avalanches are still possible in isolated areas such as, steep, open, wind loaded slopes, but generally safe avalanche conditions exist.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Leeward slopes were loaded with snow before the rain crust formed. Even during a LOW forecast rating,there still are places that could produce an avalanche. Even though the zone forecast is LOW there's an evevated concern on open, steep, wind loaded slopes near ridgelines. These areas are easy to identify and avoid. Good luck, if you choose to attempt trying to travel on those slopes with the rain crust! Travel is not east right now...especially on steep slopes!

    Rain crust from 01/08/22

    Location- Big Blue, Selkirk Mountains

Avalanche Discussion

It’s been nice to see a little sunshine recently, but what we really need is some snow to bury the breakable rain crust on the surface. It does look like the mountains will get a couple small storms this week, with Thursday being the best chance for accumulation. The question will be whether or not the new snow will adhere to the rain crust. The rain crust is a good slide plane, so I’d expect to see new snow sluff off it.

Besides the rain crust, on the surface, the snowpack is in good shape (it’s not often I get to say that). The low-density snow that fell during the December storms has turned into a really strong base. If we do get into another snow cycle, it’s nice to know the snow it’s falling on is strong.

On Sunday and Monday, I noticed enough warming at lower elevations (S-SW) slopes that the surface was getting soft. There were ‘rollerballs’ or ‘pinwheels’ coming down the back slopes of some south facing roads. Be aware of slopes warming up in the afternoon. It could be tempting to take advantage of soft snow, but could also present a wet slide potential. I don’t anticipate this being a big problem looking at next week’s temperatures but, be aware of the potential.

Thank you to Schweitzer Mountain Ski Patrol, Selkirk Powder Co and Silver Mountain Ski Patrol for recent observations!

 

 

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