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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Out of date — this forecast expired 3 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

New snow sits atop a widespread rain crust. After warm and rainy weather, a return to winter and recent snowfall are welcome but storm snow totals may create heightened avalanche conditions in specific areas. Check for new snow instabilities such as shooting cracks and avoid steep terrain convexities.

Avalanche problems

  • Storm Slabs

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

    Recent storm snow instabilities are the main problem today. The recent new snow is overlying a widespread rain crust found around 6 to 15 inches deep. This hard crust is generally bridging over any deeper snowpack weakness. Staying within terrain below 30 degrees will easily avoid Storm Slab problems. If you choose to step out, do so cautiously in noting recent snow amounts, its sensitivity to triggering, and possible avalanche consequences.

    Photo: Triston Schwab - Selkirk Powder Company

Avalanche Discussion

A significant weather swing occurred this last week. Mountain top rain the end of January followed by prolonged warm temperatures has now shifted back to winter-like conditions. Avalanche problem types have transitioned from wet loose to storm slab. The wet snow problems last week (end of Jan. to beginning of Feb.) are now refrozen in a widespread crust which is currently generally bridging over the snowpack. This rain crust will be present for a while looking forward.  

For now, current snow instabilities are in the top of the snowpack, above the recent crust. If new snow totals or winds are more than forecasted, it may add up to build more cohesive slabs. The middle and end of storm cycles tend to see a rise and then a decline in signs of obvious snow instabilities, avalanche danger will be higher where storm amounts are greater.  

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