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

Wet loose avalanches are the main problem to  contend with today. You may not find dangerous avalanche conditions first thing in the morning, but have a heightened awareness as the sun warms up the mountains. Make travel plans that avoid sun effected open slopes an overhead hazard.

Avalanche problems

  • Loose Wet

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

    A continued rise in temperature will soften the surface of the snowpack as the day goes on. The wet loose avalanche danger goes up daily as the day progresses. Night time temperatures are refreezing the snowpack at night, which decrease the danger in the morning. You may encounter a "crusty" surface in the morning which will soften as the day goes on.  Slopes that face the sun heat up first, and are the most susceptible to "wet loose" avalanches. Pinwheels, rolling snow or a saturated snow surface are all indicators of "wet loose" potential. "Wet loose" avalanches may start small, but can grow large as they move down slope and encompass more snow. The best way to manage the "wet loose" problem is to be aware of the consistency of the snow in your area and manage your aspect accordingly.

  • Persistent Slabs

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

    Storm slab interfaces from earlier in the week exist in the upper portion of the snowpack. These interfaces could produce slab avalanches in steep, isolated terrain features. Natural or human-triggered persistent slab avalanches are unlikely, but worth noting. 

Avalanche Discussion

The last significant snowfall came through the Selkirk / Cabinets early last week dropping about a foot of snow through Tuesday.  Since then, we've had light snow showers, warmer temperatures and periods of sunshine. Avalanche activity, early in the week, was a result of the storm slab, accompanied by some small loose wet avalanches. On Thursday temperatures started to rise and wet loose avalanches became the main concern.  Sun crusts can be found in the upper portion of the snowpack especially on south facing slopes. The sun crusts on the surface are melting daily as the warm temperatures and sun melt them. As this warm up continues to happen, be aware of bigger slab avalanche possibility. When snow melts into the snowpack, sometimes it finds a firm layer, such as a sun crust, to move along. As free flowing water moves across a layer it can create conditions for wet slab avalanches. 

  • If you plan on traveling in complex, exposed terrain, do it earlier in the day before the warm up has saturated the snow surface. Timing is everything!
  • Keep an eye out for glide cracks opening up and avoid those slopes.
  • Be aware of overhead hazard. Even though you're on a cold shady road, the slope above you may be in the sun and capable of avalanching on to the road. 

Forecast schedule: We'll continue with our normal schedule until April 1st.  After April 1st, we'll issue general forecasts and continue with avalanche warnings and watches, as nessessary. Enjoy the sunshine!

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