Avalanche forecast

Selkirk Mountains

Idaho Panhandle Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

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Out of date — this forecast expired 2 years ago.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

Highlights

Most slopes are safe from avalanches. Old, stubborn wind-drifted slabs are becoming more difficult to trigger, but you might find slightly more reactive areas below ridgelines, on steep convex rollovers, and in cross-loaded gullies where yesterday's strong winds transported available snow. Manage your terrain to limit how much time you spend on top of harder slabs of snow with a hollow or drum sound. Be mindful that a small avalanche in complex or extreme terrain could lead to a bad outcome without a solid exit plan.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Isolated, wind-affected terrain may conceal a stiff-over-soft snowpack structure, where older wind slabs are beginning to settle. Although these wind slabs are becoming less reactive and more difficult to trigger, they still remain above tree line. These wind slabs now rest atop a variety of underlying snow surfaces, including sun crusts, wind-hardened layers, or weak, cohesionless snow. The sensitivity of these slabs will vary depending on the nature of the surface beneath them, which can result in inconsistent reactivity across different aspects and elevations.

    Pay close attention to slope orientation, as deeper drifting is more likely on easterly-facing slopes and cross-loaded terrain features. Areas beneath cornices or the backside of convex rolls are particularly prone to wind deposition, where slab stiffness can increase rapidly. If you encounter noticeably firmer snow surfaces in these areas, it’s best to avoid them, as they may harbor more reactive wind-drifted slabs and increase your risk of an unexpected avalanche trigger.

    Wind slabs above tree line are becoming more difficult to trigger, but should be carefully assessed before committing to more extreme terrain.

    Photo: Ben Bernall

Avalanche Discussion

Today is a great day to get into the mountains as a stable snowpack and low avalanche hazard prevail ahead of the incoming Arctic cold front. Under the influence of dominant high pressure and mild weather, avalanche conditions have steadily improved, and the snowpack has continued to stabilize. After near-freezing to non-freezing overnight temperatures and solar warming Wednesday into Thursday, the well below freezing temperatures this morning will lock up any moisture in the snowpack on solar aspects and preserve softer snow and near surface facets in sheltered on non-solar aspects.

Last week's winds affected virtually all aspects, leaving visible signs of wind loading from ridgelines to mid-slope. Now, days after the peak wind activity, the existing wind slabs are becoming less sensitive and increasingly stubborn to trigger. However, yesterday's strong winds with gusts ranging into the 40-60mph range will have transported any lingering available snow. Thin sensitive wind slabs could exist further down slope than we typically find them. Recent field observations indicate that older wind slabs consist of a denser, consolidated layer overlying softer snow beneath. While these slabs are becoming more stubborn, it is important to remember that triggering one in complex or high-stakes terrain could have serious consequences. Careful route selection remains essential, particularly in areas with convex rolls, ridgelines, or gullies where trigger points may still exist.

Observations above 7,000 feet remain sparse compared to lower elevations. Be mindful that as you venture into higher and more consequential terrain, you may encounter shallow snowpack interfaces similar to those observed at lower elevations, but potentially weaker. These subtle changes in snowpack conditions could make wind slabs more prone to failure under the added weight of a skier or machine. When selecting routes, have a good exit plan and avoid slopes that funnel into vegetated runouts or terrain traps. This proactive approach will help mitigate the risks associated with an unexpected avalanche release in complex terrain.

Today marks a shift in weather as an Arctic airmass begins to push its way into the region from the north and east bringing the coldest temperatures of the season yet. Temperatures in the teens today are forecast to drop further this afternoon into evening, with fridged temperatures and negative wind chills continuing through the weekend. With this in mind build an extra safety margin into your plans to get you back to your rig safely, as any accident or delay will become that much more dangerous and difficult to manage.

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