Avalanche forecast

Selkirk Mountains

Idaho Panhandle Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Sun
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
2 · Moderate
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Highlights

New snow and wind overnight will complicate the avalanche problem today. SW winds will continue to load leeward slopes throughout the day, adding to the wind slab hazard. To avoid trouble with wind slabs, travel in sheltered areas near or below treeline. Expect blowing snow above treeline today, especially around ridgelines.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Moderate to strong SW winds overnight and today will increase the likelyhood of avalanches on leeward slopes. All aspects above treeline have been effected by wind over the past couple weeks, but today, you'll most likely find new wind loading on NE-N-NW slopes. The best way to identify wind loaded areas is through good observations. New cornice build, wind etched snow and stiff snow are all good ways to identify wind effected areas. The fresh pillows of powder on steep leeward slopes, above treeline may look inviting today, but the uncertianty that comes with those slope are probably not worth it. Ther best snow conditions for travelling today will be in sheltered areas near and below treeline.

  • Persistent Slabs

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

    Early this week, four day's of very cold temperatures increased the growth of weak, sugary snow crystals around the "Lucky Friday Crust" buried 1 to 2 feet below the snowpack surface. Thursday we found this layer to be failing and propagating in stability tests and was proving to be more of a concern compared to observations taken on Monday.  This weak layer has the highest sensitivity in colder north facing terrain. Persistent weak layers are unpredictable by nature and this one has enough volume to be destructive if triggered. Keeping the slope angles low or travelling on ridgelines where the snowpack is scoured are the best ways to avoid triggering a slide on this weak layer right now.  New snow today will add weight to leeward slopes, increasing the avalanche danger.

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