Avalanche forecast

Selkirk Mountains

Idaho Panhandle Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Sat
Alpine
1 · Low
Treeline
1 · Low
Below
1 · Low
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Out of date — this forecast expired 5 months ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

Warm and dry weather with strong overnight freezing temperatures have created generally safe avalanche conditions. Isolated wet snow hazards may develop on steep slopes getting direct sunlight as the day progresses. Continue to exercise safe travel practices like exposing only one person at a time and if you are finding wet punchy snow on sun-baked slopes, migrate toward shadier aspects with a frozen or more supportable surface.

Avalanche problems

  • Loose Wet

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

    Direct sun and warm air temperatures may create small isolated wet snow hazards in steep and rocky terrain. Slopes exposed to higher intensity springtime sun can melt and weaken snow surfaces more rapidly. Expect differing and varied surface conditions by elevation and aspect. Strong overnight freezing temperatures combined with a thick rain crust that extends into higher elevations will help to slow this progression of soft weakening snow at the surface. Pay attention to changing conditions throughout the day due to warming, and consider potential consequences of small avalanches if you choose to travel in or below avalanche terrain.

    (3/26/2026)

    Debris from an older Wet Loose avalanche. Snow initially shed off the rocks and picked up more snow as it moved downhill, eventually straining into the tree line.

    Photo: Izzy Davis

Avalanche Discussion

The most recent brief weather system on Tuesday, March 24, brought mixed precipitation and strong winds.  The northern forecast zones received about 2 to 6 inches of snow with less in the south and more rain. Across all zones, the Tuesday storm ended with rising freezing elevations. Field observations this week note the Tuesday storm rain line rose above 6000 feet. Above this rain line, isolated wind slabs may have formed near the highest ridgetop elevations. If you travel in these locations, keep in mind the potential to encounter isolated stubborn wind slabs. Uncertainty exists due to the unknown rain line and wind effect on dry snow at the highest elevations. 

A variety of surface conditions will differ by elevation and slope aspect. In general, expect to find hard supportable snow surfaces. Surface quality and hardness on sun exposed slopes will change throughout the day. Cloud cover and winds may limit snow surface warming, or periods of intense sun quickly change surfaces. The current Low danger rating and generally stable snowpack can allow considering traveling in challenging terrain. Yet, isolated areas for wet snow hazards exist to keep in mind. Additional springtime factors may include: timing, hard frozen or varied snow surfaces, and terrain consequences. Be ready to adjust travel plans with varied and changing springtime conditions.

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