Avalanche forecast

Selkirk Mountains

Idaho Panhandle Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Sun
Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
2 · Moderate
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Out of date — this forecast expired 3 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

As new snow continues to trickle in, human triggered avalanches are likely in isolated areas, above treeline. Avalanche danger will be the greatest on slopes over 30 degrees, especially in wind-loaded areas, just under ridgelines. Due to the nature of the storm, wind loading can be found on any aspect. Identify stiff slabs and pillowed snow surfaces, so you can avoid being in or under those areas in steep terrain. 

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    New snow totals from yesterday are hard to figure out due to the moderate to strong wind that accompanied the snow, but it's safe to say it snowed 4-8 inches accross the zone. It maybe scoured in some places and deep in other places. Not only was the wind strong, but it also changed direction a couple times throughout the storm, creating new wind slabs on all aspects, but slightly loading north aspects a little more.  These wind slabs are likely to be reactive today, so it's best to give them a couple days to heal. Look for visual clues such as textured snow surface, deep drifts or firm snow over soft snow.  Potential trigger spots include: convex rolls, slopes below corniced ridges and gully features. Wind slabs should be the primary concern today, but you may also encounter areas where you could trigger a storm slab. Small test slopes and quick hand pits can be helpful in assessing the danger. 

  • Persistent Slabs

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

     Persistent weak layers exist in the curent snowpack, but have been resistant to failure. Even though PWL's aren't the primary concern, it's worth mentioning. A buried surface hoar layer just a few inches below the snowpack surface should be looked for and tested.  The distribution of this layer, and its sensitivity is uncertain and may become more of an issue as we add a storm slab above it. Keep this in mind while out today and look for the buried surface hoar under the new snow. Let us know what you see!

    Sun crusts may also be found on southerly aspects, creating a potential weak interface with the new snow.

    (3/9/2023)

    Buried facets deep in the snowpack

    Photo: J Thompson

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