Avalanche forecast

Silver Valley & Bitterroot Mountains

Idaho Panhandle Avalanche Center
View on map

Avalanche danger

Wed
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
2 · Moderate
Open full map
Out of date — this forecast expired 2 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

New snow and wind will create the possibility of triggering a wind slab avalanche at mid and upper elevations. Buried weak layers still exist in the snowpack, and will continue to be a concern today. Triggering a persistent slab is becoming a low likelihood, but high consequence situation. Evaluate snow and terrain carefully and be ready to dial back slope angles if you identify red flags.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    The recent snow that fell over the weekend and into Monday exceeded the forecasted totals, and winds were consistently strong enough to transport this new snow and form fresh wind slabs. These new wind slabs will be identifiable by showing the classic signs of instability such as drifts or dunes, cracking underfoot or under your machine, and density changes from soft, unconsolidated snow to firmer snow. Anyone of these red flags should direct you off that slope and on to more sheltered terrain.

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely
    Size
    1–2.5

    Triggering an avalanche on a hidden persistent weak layer is becoming increasingly more difficult, but still remains a low possibility and if triggered, will likely have high consequences. Isolated pockets of buried surface hoar, and crusts with facets have shown varying results in their ability to propagate recently. There is a fair amount of uncertainty in the spatial distribution of these weak layers, and they may not be easy to identify in snow pits. Careful snowpack evaluation, and a healthy amount of caution should be practiced when selecting terrain to recreate on.

Avalanche Discussion

Winds and cloud cover will decrease today, making for a great day to enjoy the mountains. Due to last week’s storm, the Valley has seen some much-needed snowfall and colder temperatures. With all the ingredients for a pleasant day, it’s important to not let your guard down when choosing where to ski or ride. New wind slabs have formed on leeward facing ridgelines, and steep terrain features that are susceptible to cross loading. The new soft wind slabs have the potential to be hiding older wind slabs formed from last week’s impressively strong winds, which came predominantly out of the Southwest. These older wind slabs will be more difficult to trigger, but if triggered will be much larger in size.

Keep in mind that the snowpack is a bit complex right now, with persistent weak layers showing mixed results in stability tests. There is still some question regarding the distribution of these weak layers and how consistent they are. The best way to manage this problem is to allow for a margin of error and have a plan to move to lower angle terrain. Right now it is not enough to just manage the slope angle you are on; it is also important to be aware of the slopes above and adjacent to you.

Many of you may have already heard that there was an avalanche fatality in the Selkirks on Friday. IPAC is working on the accident report and will post it on our website and archive it with the National Avalanche Center as soon as it is completed. In the meantime, please take a moment to reflect on the decisions we all make and the potential consequences. The difference between a blissful line and disaster can be fine margins. As a community we need to support each other in the good times as well as the bad. Our deepest sympathies go out to the family and friends of the victim.

Ski and ride safe.

Regions covered