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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Highlights

Multiple days with above freezing temperatures, combined with liquid water moving through the snowpack will maintain the possibility for wet avalanches on Tuesday. These slides are difficult to predict and can fail without warning.  Concern should be given to slopes over 35 degrees with natural hazzards below. If you manage the slope angle today, you'll most likely stay out of harms way. 

Avalanche problems

  • Loose Wet

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

    Rain at all elevations has made a wet top layer of the snowpack. Warm temperatures and no overnight freezing are also contributing to wet and weak snow on the surface. Human triggered Wet Loose slides are possible on slopes steeper than 35 degrees. A small slide of wet heavy snow can knock you off your feet or move your sled around; being punched into trees or over cliff bands will increase consequences. Avoid the Wet Loose avalanche problem  by recognizing steeper slopes where these features exist.

Avalanche Discussion

Over the past days, there has been heavy rainfall at all elevations throughout the Selkirk and Cabinet Zone. Temperatures are currently warmer and above freezing around the clock. This patern will continue throughout the week. The rain has saturated the snowpack from the surface to the ground.  In many places water has drained through the snowpack and is filling the creeks and rivers.

Due to the recent warm temperatures, combined with the recent rain, the structure of the  snowpack is weak and unsupportable. Yesterday, in our snowpack test, the results showed some weakness's still exist, but are resistant to failure or propagation. The snowpack appears generally stable, making natural avalanches unlikely.  There is a potential for human-triggered avalanches at treeline and above on all aspects. Avalanches are possible in steep, isolated areas.

Riding snowmobiles or skiing is difficult off the beaten path due to the weakly supported snow.  Widespread wet and unsupportable snow conditions from the recent rain has made touring tricky. Conditions will continue to deteriorate until the region sees colder temperatures. Temperatures are projected to be below freezing by Friday. In the mean time, look for signs of instability such as pinwheeling, glide-cracks or point realeasing snow, which indicate the wet snow is getting closer to a breaking point . If more rain continues, wet slab avalanches will become a possibility. Avoid traveling across large open steep slopes with hazards below such as cliffs or trees. The greatest chance of being involved in an avalanche right now will be on slopes over 35 degrees. Manage the slope angle and you'll manage the problem!

 

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