Avalanche forecast

Selkirk Mountains

Idaho Panhandle Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Wed
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low
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Out of date — this forecast expired 6 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

We're coming out of a dry time period where cold temperatures have continued to rot the snowpack and wind continues to move and deposit snow.  Old layers in the snowpack continue to hang around and create problems. Exersize extra caution in areas of wind loaded snow. Also be aware of snow filled slopes below rock outcroppings and terrain traps at the bottom of slopes. Practice safe travel techniques by not traveling in potential avalanche runout zones.

Mother nature is going to add to the complexity of the snowpack... It looks like a winter storm will show up Tuesday afternoon and deposit a significant amount of snow over the next 4-5 days. Be aware of deterioration avalanche stability over the next couple days.

Avalanche problems

  • Persistent Slabs

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

    A rain layer about 12’’ under the snow surface continues to be a problematic weakness in the snowpack. Isolated pockets of wind loaded snow on top of this layer can easily produce avalanches. Avoid steep N-NE-S faces with recent wind loading. Also be aware of slopes with terrain traps below them, steep spots under rocks and areas that look more filled in with snow.

    Red- previous avalanches Orange- areas of likely weakness

  • Storm Slabs

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

    The concern for avalanches will quickly be elevated as a winter storm hits our region. As the snow accumulates expect the chance of avalanches to increase. Be aware of changing conditions around you. This would be a great time to brush up on the 'Red flags' of avalanche observations. 

Avalanche Discussion

If you see somthing...Speak up! We value your input. Please submit an avalanche observations to the IPAC website under the 'Observation' tab. (idahopanhandleavalanche.org) We just started a contest so a good observation could yield some good swag! For details, check out the video on Facebook! Thanks

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