Avalanche forecast

Selkirk Mountains

Idaho Panhandle Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Wed
Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
2 · Moderate
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Highlights

The arrival of a significant storm will bring new snow, wind and increased avalanche danger, potentially creating dangerous avalanche conditions across the Selkirk and Cabinet Mountains. Conservative decision making will be essential today. If you decide to get into the backcountry, stick to lower-angle terrain and stay away from steep wind effected slopes.

Avalanche problems

  • Storm Slabs

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

     5-10’’ of snow  will complicate the avalanche problem today. We expect that the avalanche danger to increase quickly today, not only increasing the likelihood of a storm slab avalanche, but also adding weight to the other weaknesses in the upper portion of the snowpack. Storm slabs will likely be reactive to to the weight of a snowmobile or skier today. If the storm piles up as forecasted, we could see natural avalanches as well.

    SW winds will help load NE-N-NW slopes. We could see significantly more snow collect on those aspects. It’s one of those days to stay clear of avalanche terrain. We expect avalanches today to fail within or just below the storm snow. I know we’ve all been waiting for some new snow to play in, but it’d be a good idea to give it a day or so to settle out.

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Gusty and variable direction winds have loaded all aspects in the upper elevations. Wind deposited slopes can have snow accumulation rates multiple times faster than those not influenced by wind. Today, slab sensitivity will increase; new snow and strong gusty winds will result in quick snowpack changes. Additionally, new snow will blanket over previous wind affect, hiding signs of past pillowing in atypical areas. Look for recent drifts, cornices, both small and large, and punchy hardness changes. Plan your touring or motorized route while asking questions on the recent winds and loading. Stepping back on terrain choices is always an option. 

    Wind affected snow surface in foreground. Ridgeline cornice formation in backgroud

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