Avalanche forecast

Selkirk Mountains

Idaho Panhandle Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Sun
Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
3 · Considerable
Below
2 · Moderate
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Highlights

A storm moves in Saturday and will drop 6-12 inches with moderate to strong wind. New snow will be falling on a reactive snowpack complicating the avalanche problem especially on wind loaded slopes. Cracking and propagation caused by skiers or snowmbiles could cause large avalanches that could travel long distances and be triggered remotely. Avoid traveling on all steep slopes and stay clear of runout zones.

Avalanche problems

  • Storm Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Likely
    Size
    2–2.5

    This week’s snowfall, combined with moderate to strong south-southwest winds and an approaching storm, has created unstable slabs across multiple slopes. The new snow rests on a weaker layer, forming an "upside-down" structure that increases the likelihood of avalanches. In many areas, snow from the past week has accumulated on a firm sun crust, which acts as a slick sliding surface. The resulting slabs vary in depth from 6 to 24 inches, further compounding instability.

    These slabs will be deeper, more widespread, and particularly unstable on wind-loaded slopes, especially at higher elevations where triggering an avalanche is likely. While snow in more sheltered areas may exhibit slightly greater stability, avalanches remain possible. Wind-affected snow can be identified by rippled surfaces, pillow-like formations, and dune-shaped drifts. Signs of instability, such as cracking or surface collapse underfoot, indicate heightened avalanche risk. Exercise extreme caution and carefully assess conditions before traveling in avalanche terrain.

    (3/12/2025) Photo: Izzy Davis

Avalanche Discussion

Another round of winter weather is arriving this morning, further complicating avalanche conditions. If forecasts hold, mountain regions could receive 12 to 28 inches of snowfall by Monday morning. The initial wave of snow, tracking from the southwest, is expected to favor the mountains around Lookout Pass and the West Cabinet Range. The second round is shifting to a more westerly flow, which may bring higher snowfall totals to the Selkirks and possibly the Purcells. All IPAC forecast zones will experience significant snowfall and an increased avalanche hazard.

The primary concern is that this new snow will accumulate on an already reactive snowpack. On Wednesday and Thursday, the mountains received 6 to 12 inches of snow accompanied by high winds. While this recent snow has been stabilizing, additional snowfall will increase stress on existing weak layers. Beneath this week's snow lies a firm crust that could serve as a weak interface, further elevating avalanche risk under the added load. Given the uncertainty surrounding the stability of both the old and new snow, it is essential to closely monitor conditions and be mindful of travel routes. Pay attention to key warning signs such as cracking, "whoomphing" sounds, and wind loading. Today, it is strongly advised to avoid slopes steeper than 32 degrees and to stay clear of avalanche runout zones.

Regions covered