Avalanche forecast

Selkirk Mountains

Idaho Panhandle Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

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

After a week of snowy weather, with winds from every direction, it's possible to trigger shallow wind slabs above treeline, on any aspect. The best way to manage the avalanche problem is to take careful consideration of specific areas, such as, steep wind packed gullies, slopes with terrain traps or steep, open, wind loaded areas or near rock out croppings. Finding good snow won't be your problem today. Look for pillow like drifts and wind slabs before committing to higher consequence slopes.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

     New and old wind slabs come in all varieties of hardnesses and thicknesses and should be expected on all aspects above treeline. Wind slabs are either proving to be stubborn to failure or so close to the surface that the consequence is low. They are mostly found in the top 50 cm's of the snowpack. Yesterday, we found a sandwich of wind slabs including soft snow sitting on wind packed snow over soft snow which sat on another layer of firm snow! Yesterday, Micah's test results near Flattop, at 6000' on NE slope were: CT4, ECTN5 down 15cm and CT19, ECTN19, down 35cm.

    You can easily avoid this problem by skirting around steep, wind loaded slopes above treeline. Powder conditions exist on most aspects once you get below the wind effect. The sun did kiss south facing slopes, so expect to find a thin sun crust on the surface. The best riding can be found in the sheltered timber, away from the sun and wind effect. 

    (3/6/2023)

    Tressle ridge

    Photo: B Hilland

  • Persistent Slabs

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

    Facets above the January 13th rain crust are still somthing to assess. On north and easterly aspects this layer can be found about 100 cm's down in the snowpack, but is not showing much potential for failure.  In most locations it would have enough volume to kill or injure a person, if triggered. Our neighbors in British Columbia are seeing persistant weak layer's (PWL) come to life, which are resulting in big avalanches. Even though the snowpack in BC is different, it's a good reminder to keep a close eye on our PWL problem. Triggering this layer in the Selkirks/Cabinets is a low-likelihood, but high consequence scenario. Avoid large open slopes that have a thin snowpack to minimize your exposure to this problem. 

Avalanche Discussion

Yesterday IPAC had 3 teams out in the Selkirk/Cabinets zone checking conditions. All of us experienced simular findings. Blue skies and good snow! Conditions are generally safe in terrain with no wind affect or loading. As I type this I'm looking out my window at moderate orographic snow falling, which is a little unexpected, but should clear up in an hour or so. I don't anticipate the new snow to change the avalanche conditions much, but may continue to add to the awesome skiing and snowmobiling conditions! 

Even though the snowpack is generally safe, avalanches can still happen. Watch for signs of instability and continue to make calculated decisions.  

DOUG ABROMEIT AVALANCHE SCHOLARSHIP

Every year the Friends of the Idaho Panhandle Avalanche Center celebrates the work and life of Doug Abromeit (1948-2013) by starting the winter season with the Doug Abromeit Avalanche Scholarship. Doug was a native of Sandpoint, Idaho.

The Scholarship will provide one recipient admission to a Level 1 Avalanche Course conducted by the Idaho Panhandle Avalanche Center.  Applicants must be between the ages of 14 and 24. Essays must be submitted by March 15th, 2023. Please include your name, age, mailing address and a phone number. 

Electronic versions, pdf or doc files please, can be emailed to [email protected].  The Scholarship winner will be announced on April 12th. Winners will attend the Level 1 Avalanche Course in 2024.  Dependents under the age of 18 will need written parental consent to attend

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