Avalanche forecast

Selkirk Mountains

Idaho Panhandle Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Wed
Alpine
1 · Low
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Out of date — this forecast expired 3 years ago.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

Expect a stable snowpack across all elevations and aspects, making avalanches unlikely. By steering clear of steep isolated terrain features in extreme terrain features, you can generally expect safe avalanche conditions.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Last week, the Selkirk and Cabinet mountains encountered moderate to strong winds that led to the redistribution of snow near ridgelines. The prevailing winds were primarily from the North, although some areas, especially in the Cabinets, experienced South to Southwest winds as well. During our recent travels along ridgelines, we've identified several indicators of wind transport, including the formation of cornices, wind etching, and drifts. Despite these observations, we have not come across significant wind slabs or encountered any warning signs such as shooting cracks or "whumphing."

    Overall, the current avalanche conditions appear to be generally safe, even in proximity to ridgelines where concerns about wind slabs would typically arise. Nevertheless, exercise heightened awareness in extreme terrain, beneath cornices, or in areas heavily loaded with wind-driven snow.

    Thank you to everyone who have sent observations in! That valuable data is not only used to help improve forecasts, but also helps out fellow backcountry recreationalists

    Photo: izzy davis

Avalanche Discussion

It looks like significant weather changes are unlikely today and later this week. Light snow is expected to persist at higher elevations, while low elevations may experience rain. The rain/snow line is forecasted to be in the 3500-4500 ft. range. Storm totals suggest that the Cabinets will receive more precipitation than the Selkirks. The upcoming weekend might begin with some sunshine and end with heavy snow. 

Snowpack: The lower half of the snowpack is solidified with a firm rain crust, serving as a cap and isolating it from surface triggers. The upper part of the pack consists of soft snow that has adhered well to the crust. While conditions may change in the future, today's expectation is stable conditions in the upper portion of the snowpack.

Considerations for Travel:

  1. If the surface snow is firm over soft, reconsider your route, especially in steep terrain.
  2. Last weekend, the sun briefly emerged and warmed up south-facing slopes. While this may not significantly alter avalanche danger, it could affect the zen of snowmobiling or skiing.
  3. The most favorable snow conditions can be found in sheltered areas, mid-slope, around treeline.

 

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