Avalanche forecast

Selkirk Mountains

Idaho Panhandle Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Wed
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
1 · Low
Below
1 · Low
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Highlights

As the last storm moves on, the snowpack has given us a more problems to consider, but the overall reactivity can be qualified as resistant to failure. A wide variety of snow surfaces and primary problems can be found at different elevations. Avoiding problematic areas to find good snow shouldn’t be too hard today. The most likely place to trigger an avalanche will be in the alpine, in specific terrain features, such as steep wind loaded slopes, near rock formations, cornices or gullies.

Avalanche problems

  • Persistent Slabs

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

    Two prominent layers with near-crust faceting exist, Lucky Friday and Christmas crust, which are buried 1.5-2 feet and 3-4 feet deep, respectively. The Lucky Friday crust might be bridging over layers below, or is breaking down in other areas, and at the highest elevations this crust might not be present. A couple different Surface Hoar layers, 0-2 feet deep, can be found in isolated areas. Surface hoar is revealing itself through pit tests yet showing unclean fracture results and sporadic distribution across the forecast zone.  While the sensitivity of these weak layers has been stubborn to unreactive, the simple fact that weak layers are present still necessitate a thoughtful mindset. Avoid potential problems by riding areas away from steep convex rollovers in the higher elevations.

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Wind-slabs continue to be something to consider in your travel, at upper elevations. The most likely place to find wind effected snow will be all aspects above treeline. We've seen winds from all directions over the past couple of weeks, complicating the the wind-slab  problem.  Even though SW is the primary wind direction for the Cabinets and Selkirk mountains, we've had periods of N, NE and S winds that have loaded and reverse loaded most alpine slopes. Cornice's are starting to get big, and with the warmer ambient air, the chance of failure is increasing. It's best to stay off of cornices and the pillows created below them.  Be aware of wind effected snow as you travel across ridgelines.  The likelihood of wind-slab activity may be higher in the  Cabinets, as the previous storm totals and wind favored the western part of the range.

    We continue to find great snow conditions in the 4000' band. If the goal for your outing is good snow, look for it mid-slope around treline. Lower elevations (2000-3000') are starting to melt, so you can expect a variety of surface crusts. Frozen or melting snow can also be expected at lower elevations, depending on the time of day your there.

    Skiing on wind slab

    Photo: J . Thompson

Avalanche Discussion

Yesterday we rode in the Canuck Pass area of the Purcells. Distinct changes in snowpack character are present gaining elevation from valley bottom to 6000 feet ridgeline. We observed conditions in the Canuck Creek basin and along the ridgeline from the pass. The northern section of the forecast zone has been conducive to a slightly shallower snowpack and colder temperatures. As a result, we did not find the Lucky Friday 13th crust here. In our full profile pit we did find persistent weak layers, and more faceting in the lower portion of the snowpack than other areas of the zone. 

Regions covered