Avalanche forecast

Selkirk Mountains

Idaho Panhandle Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Sun
Alpine
1 · Low
Treeline
1 · Low
Below
1 · Low
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Out of date — this forecast expired 5 months ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

Sustained above-freezing temperatures and rain will soften snow surfaces, and you may encounter small wet snow hazards on all aspects in steep terrain. While the avalanche size is expected to be small, exposed rocks or terrain traps could complicate the consequences of going for a ride. Monitor surface conditions, and default to low-angle terrain that limits exposure to steep gullies and avalanche paths if wet snow can reach above your boot top.

Avalanche problems

  • Loose Wet

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

    Earlier this week, the snowpack settled into a classic springtime diurnal pattern, with an overnight freeze followed by daytime warming. This cycle has generally kept avalanche concerns limited to small wet loose activity, with likelihood varying based on slope steepness, sun exposure, and time of day. However, temperatures over the past couple of nights stayed above freezing in many areas, which means snow surfaces may soften more quickly today without the benefit of a solid overnight refreeze.

    As you travel, watch for rapidly changing snow conditions and increasing surface softness. If you encounter 6 inches or more of wet, unsupportable snow, it’s a good sign to move to lower-angle or shadier terrain. While the expected avalanche size remains small, wet snow slides can still pose serious hazards, especially if they carry you into terrain traps such as narrow gullies with steep walls, cliff bands, sudden slope transitions, or densely treed areas.

    While avalanche size is expected to be small, steep or extreme terrain are areas where wet snow problems can develop first. Monitor surface conditions before committing to bigger, consequential objectives. 

    April 10, 2026. 

    Photo: Jeff Thompson

Avalanche Discussion

Sunday, April 12 will be the last day this season that we put out a full avalanche forecast. After that, we will issue general updates on Tuesdays and Fridays for the remainder of April. 

Although a shift in weather is on the near horizon, today will remain above freezing, and mountain temperatures are forecasted to climb into the 40s F. Cloud cover will build as a moist system from the southwest moves in and delivers rainfall to the mountains. While the expected amount of precipitation isn’t enough to influence the danger rating, a lack of overnight freezes plus rain could expand the aspects in which small, loose wet problems could materialize on. Previously, snow surface softening has been mainly driven by solar input, but this shift in weather will expand softening aspects to the northern end of the compass as well.

Snow coverage remains dismal to nonexistent on most slopes below tree line. If you can get through the lower elevations, then you’ll find that some slopes at middle and upper elevations are still hanging on to deeper snowpacks with enough snow for recreation. This time of year, bigger and steeper objectives become more and more appealing. If you have your eyes set on steep terrain, maintain safe travel practices and continue to carry a beacon, probe, and shovel for all over-the-snow activities.

While you’re traveling in the mountains and the snowpack deepens, watch for changes below your feet. As warm temperatures and rain soften the surface snow, monitoring the depth of your boot penetration can be a good gauge for slope and aspect selection. Once you reach the point that you’re stepping into wet snow near the top of your boot, it’s time to target shadier and more supportable aspects or move to lower-angle terrain altogether. Keep your eye out for cliff bands above your route where snow could shed onto you, and limit exposure below large cornices or overhanging blocks of snow.

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