Avalanche forecast

Silver Valley & Bitterroot Mountains

Idaho Panhandle Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Sat
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
1 · Low
Below
1 · Low
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Out of date — this forecast expired 4 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

Stable weather over the past few days has allowed the upper snowpack to settle and stabilize somewhat. However multiple avalanche problems may be present in the mountains today. In some upper elevation locations temperatures did not dip below freezing last night. Loose wet and loose dry problems are possible today on solar and non-solar aspects, respectively, today. Although low, potential to initiate wind slabs remains a possibility.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Last weekend’s storm came in “right side up”, with arctic cold preserving the surface layer of blower powder. Strong winds out of the South throughout the past few days have transported any available snow onto the lee side of ridges and cross-loaded terrain features like gullies. Wind Slabs become less reactive with each passing day and will probably be stubborn to non-reactive at this point, but the potential to initiate a wind slab avalanche may still exist on steep slopes (>35°) near tree line and above. Pay attention to shooting cracks and breaking crusts.

    (2/2/2023)

  • Loose Wet

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

    If the sun peaks out today and temperatures climb, like yesterday, there is potential for loose wet slides on solar (S, SE, SW) aspects at low to mid elevations. If the upper snowpack starts to feel moist, it sticks to your skins, and you start to see tree bombs, it’s time to think about minimizing your exposure below steep terrain and above terrain traps. Roller balls are a tell-tale sign that it’s time to move to north aspects, stick to low angle terrain, or head for the parking lot.

  • Loose Dry

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

    Stashes of dry powder may be preserved on wind sheltered north aspects near tree line or upper elevations. On steep slopes (>35°) this may sluff and entrain enough snow to sweep skier/riders off their feet. The danger here is being carried over a cliff or being raked through trees and rocks. Make terrain choices accordingly.

Avalanche Discussion

Yesterday Kyla and I toured up to Moon Peak. The sun was shining and after the weekend’s bitter cold, spring like conditions snuck up on us.

We went looking for the persistent weak layer of buried surface hoar 10-20 cm under the Lucky Friday Crust in sheltered north aspect terrain, but did not find any preserved in this location. The Lucky Friday Crust appears to be breaking down, with layers of partially faceted snow both above and below that failed with hard force and poor shear quality (Q3) in Compression Tests (CT25), but we did not see propagation in our Extended Column Test (ECTX).

By early afternoon we were shedding layers and noted moist surface snow that was sticking to our climbing skins and snow bombs dropping out of the trees. We moved off a steep and open south aspect and into the trees for the remainder of our climb. At lower and mid elevations on our way out we saw many new rollerballs. Last night temperatures at higher elevations remained relatively warm, with the Lookout Snowtel reporting air temp this morning at 33.8°, and other sites showing temps just below freezing, so be mindful of the potential for spring like avalanche conditions.

Winds ahead of the next storm front, forecast to hit us tonight, will increase throughout the day.

There are a number of avalanche problems today, but they are all manageable through a thoughtful approach and terrain selection. Taken together they present a moderately complex forecast. Although small and unlikely, the potential for avalanches does exist today. There is a lot of open terrain and really fun conditions to be had if you pay attention to your surroundings and make smart decisions.

Based on the observation page it appears no one skies or rides in the Silver Valley/St Regis Basin.

There are still a few spots open in FIPAC’s upcoming Avy 1 courses, check out the dets on the Education Tab. Consider getting your ski/riding partners to sign up if they have not completed an avalanche course before. While you’re there check out the Doug Abromeit Scholarship for an opportunity to win an Avy 1 course scholarship.

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