Heavy snowfall and strong winds have created dangerous avalanche conditions at Treeline and above. Human triggered avalanches are very likely today in terrain steeper than 30 degrees. Travel in or below avalanche terrain should be avoided today.
Heavy snowfall and strong winds have created dense and cohesive slabs that will be easily triggered today. Slabs will be thicker in wind loaded locations such as north and east aspects below ridgeline. You can easily avoid trouble and get into some great riding by avoiding slopes steeper than 30 degrees and playing in lower angle timber.
The deep weak layer of crust and sugary snow is still down there and is now being stressed by rain from the previous days and heavy dense snow. This is an unpredictable scenario with potential to create large failures in the snowpack.
I will keep it short and sweet today. The Selkirks and the Cabinets on both side's of the state line have been through a roller coaster of weather conditions the past week. The snow that has come in the last 24-36 hours has been heavy and dense, sometimes accompanied with rain and pretty stout winds. It has formed cohesive slabs that are resting on a variety of surfaces, some of which will bond poorly. This fresh shot of heavy snow will eventually stabilize and give us a great base for the winter. BUT, the next 24 hours will be touchy! Stay safe and off of the steep terrain until the new snow has settled and the storm passes. We have talked extensively about the deep weak layers in our snowpack, this added weight will be the test to see if this layer becomes reactive today. Avalanches in the storm snow could step down to the November crust layer and go big! Hard to predict, but worth keeping in mind today when considering avalanche potential.
There is still room in IPAC's Level 1 motorized avalanche class! Follow the link for details: https://www.idahopanhandleavalanche.org/friends-ipac-avalanche-safety-courses
Also, you should check out our new "Observations" platform thanks to the fund raising efforts of our Friends group and Board Member Mike Brede!
