Avalanche forecast

Selkirk Mountains

Idaho Panhandle Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Sun
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
2 · Moderate
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Highlights

Saturday will be the warmest day we've seen in a while, so watch for signs of loose wet avalanche activity such as rollerballs and pinwheeling as the sun heats the slopes. The danger of wet avalanches will increase through the day and maybe big enough to knock you over or bury you, especially on sun-exposed terrain. Above 5,000 feet, wind slabs on leeward slopes may still be reactive and warrant careful terrain assessment.

Avalanche problems

  • Loose Wet

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

    As the sun emerges today and temperatures continue to rise, the potential for wet avalanches will increase throughout the day. When a snow-covered slope warms up and begins to melt, the bonds within the snowpack start to break down, leading to a rapid loss of cohesion and stability. This warming effect can make the snowpack more prone to sliding, especially on steep terrain. Visible signs such as rollerballs, pinwheeling, and punchy or unsupportive snow underfoot are strong indicators that the slope is warming and could be approaching a critical failure point.

    Since this process is heavily influenced by both air temperature and direct solar radiation, you can use a slope’s aspect to make safer travel decisions. East- and south-facing slopes tend to warm up the fastest, receiving early and intense sun exposure. West-facing slopes, while slower to heat up, become increasingly suspect in the afternoon hours as the sun shifts. North-facing slopes typically stay cooler and retain shaded conditions for longer, making them generally more stable when wet avalanche danger is a concern.

    Keep these patterns in mind as you move through the terrain. If you encounter a slope that has been exposed to sunlight for a prolonged period—especially one showing signs of instability—it’s best to avoid traveling on or directly beneath it. Choosing cooler, shaded aspects and moving efficiently through sun-exposed areas earlier in the day will help reduce your exposure to this warming hazard.

    (4/4/2025)

    Lots of rollerballing from today's warm-up. These were observed on east through south to west-facing slopes at mid and lower elevations. This is an early indicator that slopes are softening quickly and provoking a wet slide may be imminent. West Cabinet Mountains. April 4, 2025.

    Photo: Chris Bilbrey

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Incremental snowfall over the past several days, combined with consistent winds, has led to the formation of wind slabs above treeline. Although these slabs may appear stubborn, they still warrant attention—particularly on northwest to north through southeast-facing slopes just below ridgelines, where wind loading has been most pronounced. Slab depths vary, ranging from 6 inches to over 2 feet in some areas. Loose dry avalanches have also been reported on steep, wind-loaded slopes, further highlighting the instability. Convex rollovers and wind-loaded gullies are prime terrain features where deeper, wind-deposited snow tends to accumulate.

    These slabs are most sensitive where they rest atop a firm, refrozen crust, which can act as a slick bed surface, increasing the likelihood of triggering. If released, avalanches may travel farther downslope and entrain additional snow due to the underlying hard layer. Watch for red flags such as cracking in the snow, changes in surface texture, or sudden shifts in snow density underfoot—these are all signs of cohesive wind slabs. Stay alert to these clues and favor sheltered, lower-angle, and less wind-affected terrain for safer travel

    A wind loaded slope in the West Cabinets produced a small loose dry avalanche 4/4

    Photo: Chris Bilbrey

Avalanche Discussion

Recreating and accessing snow at lower elevations has become increasingly difficult as the snowpack continues to shrink, with many areas now melted out. If you do find enough snow to travel or play on, be especially cautious near gullies and terrain traps, where even a small avalanche could funnel and pile up, setting like concrete. As you move above 5,000 feet, expect to encounter a transition in snow conditions—spring-like, wet snow will give way to colder, drier snow sitting atop a firm crust. Be aware that the avalanche problem shifts at these upper elevations. Wind slabs, particularly on leeward slopes near ridgelines, may still be present and reactive in isolated areas. Some slabs could be over two feet thick and remain sensitive to human triggering, especially where they rest on slick, hardened surfaces. Careful snowpack evaluation is essential before committing to steep terrain.

Spring weather brings rapid and sometimes dramatic changes in avalanche conditions. Warm and sunny days—like today—will reintroduce the wet avalanche problem as buried instabilities become reactivated by meltwater. The high sun angle in April has a powerful influence on snow stability, particularly on solar aspects. Slopes showing large glide cracks are especially concerning; as water continues to lubricate the interface between the snowpack and the ground, these areas may be pushed closer to failure. Remember, the timing of glide avalanches is notoriously unpredictable.

In some ways, a spring snowpack can be easier to understand because temperature and solar radiation are key drivers of change. The daily melt-freeze cycle gives us valuable insight into when and where conditions may become dangerous. However, predicting the exact moment when a slope becomes unstable remains a challenge. Pay close attention to surface clues like unsupportive snow, pinwheeling, or cracking, and use small, low-consequence test slopes to gather information. Avoiding high-consequence terrain when conditions are questionable is often the best choice. Even small slides in steep or complex terrain can have serious consequences, so continue to make cautious, well-timed decisions as the season transitions.

**Eastern Oregon University is conducting a survey to better understand avalanche safety preparedness among motorized backcountry users. The survey will help us learn more about who is purchasing, and practicing with avalanche rescue gear (beacon, probe, shovel) and participating in avalanche education—and why some riders are not. The survey is confidential and anonymous. Your feedback is invaluable to improve avalanche education and awareness across North Idaho and Northwestern Montana. Please take a moment to share your experience and help your local avalanche community. You can take the survey HERE.**

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