Avalanche forecast

Selkirk Mountains

Idaho Panhandle Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

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

New snow and variable winds over the past weekend have created new slabs on many slopes. The recent snowfall was heavier and denser than previous storms, making avalanches easier to trigger, particularly on slopes where drifted slabs are firmer. The most likely spots to trigger avalanches are at the margins of these firm, wind-deposited slabs. For the safest travel, stay off of steeper wind-loaded slopes and choose sheltered areas where the snow surface isn't textured by the wind.

Avalanche problems

  • Storm Slabs

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

    The latest round of snowfall over the weekend arrived with warmer air than prior storms creating a dense over soft layering. This inverted slab structure may make them more reactive, and avalanches could span adjacent terrain features where drifting forms broader, stiffer slabs. Pay attention to the direction a slope faces, look for fresh cornice growth, and anticipate problematic drifts to lurk in places you aren't accustomed to seeing them after the variable winds. Use caution on slopes around 35 degrees if you notice the snow surface transition from soft to stiff or observe blowing snow along ridgelines. 

    Triggering a smaller slide above a cliff or terrain trap could carry higher consequences if you don't have an exit strategy.

  • Persistent Slabs

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

    Faceted grains persist underneath a couple of older rain crusts two to three feet deep across our forecast zones. The overlying slab has stiffened significantly in the last week and makes impacting these weaker grains more difficult. Where the crust has degraded and is more breakable, the facets are overall larger and weaker. Your chances to trigger one of these lower-probability, higher-consequence slides increase near exposed rocks or wind-scored areas of slopes where these weak snow grains may be closer to the surface.

    Persistent slab avalanches can behave unpredictably and span across adjacent terrain features. Choose slopes free of surface obstacles or terrain traps just in case something goes wrong. Default to lower-angled slopes if your snowpack assessments are inconclusive around the sensitivity of faceted crusts.

Avalanche Discussion

Two-day snow totals have been slightly lower than initially expected. Nonetheless, all mountain regions received enough new snow to refresh surface conditions, though not enough to significantly increase avalanche danger. Hazards remain present, with the most concerning risks likely confined to the new storm snow. Monitor snow accumulation as you travel across different aspects and elevations. The latest storm brought varying wind directions, so anticipate more cohesive slab formation on slopes that typically have shallower slabs or are wind-scoured.

The key question before committing to steeper slopes is whether a shallow avalanche you trigger will remain confined to the recent storm snow or break deeper into a faceted crust. As time passes since the last significant loading event, this step-down scenario becomes less likely. However, how close the grains are to the "reactive" edge remains uncertain. This uncertainty can be managed by making conservative terrain choices. Avoid likely trigger spots and refrain from lingering below a slope while others ascend or descend. Always have a solid exit plan, expose only one person to a slope at a time, and be aware that deeper avalanches may fail without warning.

Regions covered