Avalanche forecast

Selkirk Mountains

Idaho Panhandle Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

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

Snowmobile or skier-triggered point-release avalanches are possible on steep slopes above 5000 feet. You can mitigate the avalanche risk by avoiding steep, sustained, open slopes. The larger the slope, the more significant the avalanches can be as they descend.

Avalanche problems

  • Loose Wet

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

    Wet loose and dry loose avalanches are possible on terrain with a slope exceeding 35 degrees. Yesterday, avalanches were observed on the majority of steep slopes in the Roman Nose area. A layer of 6-8 inches of storm snow from 3/24 rests atop a smooth crust, providing an optimal slide plane for the storm snow. On sun-exposed slopes, avalanches tended to be wet, whereas on shaded slopes or sheltered areas, they were mostly dry and loose. Avalanches were observed on slopes surpassing 35 degrees. If you managing the slope angle you'll manage the avalanche hazard.

    Photo: Jeff Thompson

    Roman Nose 3/25/24 10AM

Avalanche Discussion

Spring has arrived! Currently, the snowpack is predominantly isothermic, a common occurrence for this time of year. Isothermic snowpacks are typically wet, dense, and consolidated, lacking the distinct layers often present in mid-winter snowpacks. These snowpacks generally maintain a temperature of around 32 degrees Fahrenheit throughout. Consequently, they teeter on the edge between freezing and melting. When temperatures remain below freezing, the snowpack tends to be safer, but as temperatures rise and the sun emerges, the snowpack warms up, heightening the risk of avalanches.

Presently, we're encountering an isothermic snowpack topped with a melt/freeze crust, which usually ensures relatively safe conditions. However, the snowpack also holds 6-8 inches of storm snow from 3/24 above the crust. While this fresh snow is great snowmobiling and skiing, it also introduces an avalanche hazard. Yesterday, no signs of slab avalanches were observed, but numerous loose, point release avalanches were witnessed. All observed avalanches occurred on slopes exceeding 35 degrees, many originating below rock outcroppings. We were able to initiate a wet loose avalanche yesterday with our skis on a test slope. Although the slope was primarily 30 degrees, it avalanched where it approached 35 degrees (see picture below).

***It's important to note that surface hoar was observed on the snow surface yesterday. If the predicted snowstorm arrives tonight and deposits snow atop the undisturbed surface hoar, the avalanche danger may increase. We intend to monitor the snowpack as the storm unfolds and keep a close watch on the behavior of the surface hoar. I anticipate that it may persist in certain areas. The question remains: how much snow will this upcoming system bring, and will it be sufficient to create a new avalanche problem?

IPAC's final scheduled forecast is this Friday, 3/29. Nevertheless, we will continue to provide general avalanche information and issue Watches/Warnings if necessary. Thank you for following our forecast this season!

 

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