Avalanche forecast

Selkirk Mountains

Idaho Panhandle Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Sat
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
1 · Low
Below
1 · Low
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Out of date — this forecast expired 3 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

New snow has created favorable snow conditions at elevations above 4000 feet.  Wind slabs can be found on Leeward slopes near ridgelines. Wind slabs in these specific areas appear to be stubborn to failure, but avoiding them will  keep you away from the primary avalanche problem of the day.  The best snow can be found in areas sheltered from the wind near treeline.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

     New snow fell overnight in the Selkirk / Cabinets accompanied by winds that have been light to moderate out of the southwest and northwest. At the highest peaks above tree line this new snow will be more cohesive and loaded into small pockets below ridgeline and in steep gullies. If you choose to ride in steep terrain today, take time to assess the snowpack stability above the most recent crust layer to see how the new snow is bonding. Shooting cracks and snow that is dense and cohesive are signs that a slab is present at your location. These instabilities in the snowpack surface are likely to be fairly small and unlikely to bury you, but the potential consequences of taking a ride in steep terrain should be in the forefront of your mind

Avalanche Discussion

Recent snowfall has led to favorable surface conditions, with 6-12 inches of light snow accumulating this week. Beneath this fresh snow, there is a 1-2 inch thick supportable crust, providing stability to the lower snowpack. The crust is robust enough to bridge over the underlying layers. A rain-saturated layer from warm weather and rain events in January can be found beneath the rain crust. As of yesterday, we observed this layer to be firm and cohesive.

Above 5000 feet elevations, this cohesive layer has transformed into a slab measuring 2-5 feet thick, establishing a sturdy base for the overall snowpack.

Over the past week, temperatures have remained cold enough to facilitate snowfall at elevations above 4000 feet. The Selkirks have been particularly favored, but fresh snow can be found throughout the Selkirk / Cabinet zone. Snow accumulation varies based on location, aspect, and elevation. Light to moderate south to southwest to west winds have transported snow onto northeast to north to northwest slopes, resulting in deeper snow in these areas, especially above 5500 feet.

Looking ahead, temperatures and precipitation seem conducive to continued snowfall throughout the extended forecast, with the potential for more snow over the weekend and into the next week.

Heightened avalanche conditions are prevalent in wind-loaded areas, specifically below ridges and on slopes exceeding 30 degrees, where wind-deposited snow is present. Identifying a change in snow density is key to recognizing wind-deposited snow. Wind slabs are typically deeper, firmer, and more cohesive, making them more prone to avalanches. To mitigate the risk of wind slabs, it is advisable to stay in terrain sheltered from the wind.

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