Avalanche forecast

Selkirk Mountains

Idaho Panhandle Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

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Out of date — this forecast expired 2 years ago.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

Highlights

Although deeply buried weak layers are becoming harder to trigger, the risk of a large avalanches remains. As the overlying snow strengthens, the most likely trigger points are shallow areas near rocks, cliffs, tree islands, and convex slopes, which can initiate avalanches on open slopes. If you choose to enter avalanche terrain, travel one at a time, avoid terrain traps, and pay attention to warning signs.

Avalanche problems

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    2–3

    Weak layers buried 2–3 feet deep are creating instability in the upper snowpack, with the most reactive slopes found near the tree line down to 5,000 feet. Fragile surface hoar is most prevalent on north- and east-facing slopes, while sunnier aspects are developing faceted layers above the crust due to cold temperatures. Although deeper weak grains are gradually strengthening, stabilization remains slow. Even areas without surface hoar or a faceted crust continue to show signs of instability.

    Weak layers vary by aspect but pose a risk across all terrain. Given the slab depth above these layers, triggering an avalanche could result in a large and dangerous slide. Backcountry users are still reporting warning signs like collapsing and cracking, though avalanche activity has decreased over the past five days. Across all forecast zones, the avalanche problem remains consistent, but slab depth influences slide size. The Selkirks and West Cabinet Mountains, having received more snowfall, now have a thicker slab and the potential for larger avalanches.

    (2/13/2025)

    6-8mm buried surface hoar from end of January found on a wind loaded north aspect at 6000' about 80cm from surface. This layer did not show propogation potential in our Propogation Saw Test.

    Photo: Mikey Church

Avalanche Discussion

Persistent weak layers from late January, buried two feet or more deep, are becoming harder to trigger but still pose a serious avalanche risk. Just because they are less reactive doesn’t mean they’re gone—a large, dangerous avalanche is still possible if the right spot is triggered.

Although no recent avalanches have been reported, warning signs like pit test failures and sudden collapses are still occurring. With limited observations and spacial variability, we don’t know exactly how widespread or sensitive these weak layers are, but the snowpack remains unstable. These weak layers can linger beneath the surface for weeks with little warning before failing. While the chances of triggering a large avalanche from shallow snow are decreasing, the consequences remain severe. The Selkirks and West Cabinet Mountains have deeper slabs, increasing avalanche size, but even 1- to 2-foot slabs in the Silver Valley and Bitterroot zones can be deadly.

If you’re traveling in avalanche terrain, reduce risk by following safe travel practices: stop in safe zones, travel one at a time on or below avalanche-prone slopes, watch your partner, and stay aware of terrain traps.

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