Avalanche forecast

Selkirk Mountains

Idaho Panhandle Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Wed
Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low
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Highlights

The current storm is moving out today but it left us with dangerous avalanche conditions on wind loaded slopes. The storm dropped over 12’’ of new snow at higher elevations and rain at lower elevations. Strong winds helped load up windward slopes and create new wind slabs. Today would be a good day to avoid steep, wind loaded slopes above 5000 ft. The prevailing winds have been out of the southwest, so it’s expected to find wind loaded areas on northerly and easterly facing slopes.

 

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    A fresh wind slab has formed above 5000 ft on northerly facing slopes. A storm with strong gusty southwest winds has transported snow onto these slopes. The storm recorded 8-12'' of snow above 5000 ft in elevation and we can safely expect more on wind loaded slopes. The wind slab is sitting on a strong suportable crust which acts as a good sliding surface. The new wind slab is cohesive and susceptible to propagation, which make size 2, large, avalanches a possibility.

    Fresh Wind slab Selkirk Mountains

    5100 ft 

    North facing, wind loaded slope

    4.4.22 J. Thompson

Avalanche Discussion

A strong spring storm has been moving through the Selkirks and Cabinets over the past 48 hours. Snowtel sites show over an inch of snow water equivalent (SWE) during the storm, which has resulted in 8-12’’ of snow above 5000 ft and rain below 5000 ft. Strong, gusty southwest winds (up to 55 mph) helped transport snow at high elevations on to SE-E-NE-N faces. The snow that fell is on the wetter side and turned to a slab quickly. The slab of new snow is sitting on top of a semi-breakable crust. The crust is firm enough to act as a good slide plane for the new snow. Testing the snow yesterday showed that the new snow is susceptible to sliding. It also showed signs of propagation meaning large cohesive avalanches can happen if triggered in the right spot.

Low elevations didn’t get the snow that the high mountains did but still presents its own challenges. Right now, the biggest challenge at low elevations is the access. Roads are melting out and it’s getting trickier to get the sleds and trucks to the snow. A lot of the winter trailheads are snow-free now and require some travel on dirt before you get to good snow coverage. Wet loose avalanches are still a possibility at low elevations. Be aware around terrain traps such as road banks and creeks. Your best bet is to get out in the morning when the snow is still firm. I found unsupportable snow off trail yesterday by 10AM.

I don’t expect conditions to change a lot throughout today. A chance of more rain, snow, thunder, wind and overcast skies are forecasted for today. Less than half an inch of snow is expected. To manage the avalanche problem today, I’d recommend steering away from all steep wind-affected slopes and don’t hang out under steep, rocky slopes especially with cornices looming above.

Winter isn’t over yet! Please keep your head in the game while in the mountains. This time of year it’s easy move on to other activities, but if you’re in the snow covered mountains, keep your avalanche brain on!

We will issue the final avalanche forecast for the 2021/2022 winter season on Friday, April 8th.

Regions covered