Avalanche forecast

Selkirk Mountains

Idaho Panhandle Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Sat
Alpine
4 · High
Treeline
4 · High
Below
4 · High
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Highlights

Dangerous avalanche conditions are present due to intense winds and wet storms. Avoid being in avalanche terrain. Natural avalanches have been observed. Human-triggered avalanches are very likely. 

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Very Likely
    Size
    1.5–2.5

    Strong south winds are quickly building touchy slabs and cornices near ridgetops. Large Wind Slab avalanches are very likely. Wind transport has been fast enough to reload slopes that have already avalanched. 

    Avoid being in, near, or underneath all avalanche terrain. Remain patient in very low angle simple terrain, or simply decide to not go out into the mountains backcountry while instability is highest.

  • Storm Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Likely
    Size
    1.5–2.5

    Storm snow is pilling up and forming cohesive slabs. A ton of new snow (about 3 feet or 3” of snow water equivalent) has fallen in the last 2 days in the mountains. As you move up in elevation, new snow totals get deeper and deeper. Storm slabs are widespread and are avalanching naturally in small terrain features. 

Avalanche Discussion

The Selkirk and Cabinet Mountains have received over 3 feet of snow at elevations above 4500 feet since the storm started on Tuesday night. Below 4500 feet, a mix of rain and snow is present. Wind speeds during this storm have ranged from moderated to strong (10-50 mph), primarily coming out of the southwest. Open slopes have experienced significant cross-loading, resulting in varied snow conditions – from areas stripped of snow with a surface rain crust to slopes completely filled with multiple feet of snow. Notably, cornices on North-facing slopes have substantially grown throughout the storm.

Limited visibility has made observations challenging, but Schweitzer Ski Patrol has actively triggered many avalanches using explosives and ski cuts. The storm's snowfall has exhibited various densities, and the combination of wind and temperature fluctuations has introduced multiple instabilities in the new snow. Recently, we encountered firm snow atop soft snow, and the current round of snowfall, with reduced density, could add another layer of complexity. Although these different storm layers typically heal quickly, the interfaces are presently prone to failure.

Weather forecasts and models indicate that snowfall will persist through the weekend and into the next week, with the Selkirk and Cabinets potentially receiving another 10-20 inches of snow by Sunday. Anticipate a slight cooling in temperatures, leading to lighter snow density into the weekend, while winds are forecasted to range from 15-30 mph, continuing to blow from the southwest.

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