Avalanche forecast

Selkirk Mountains

Idaho Panhandle Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Sat
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
1 · Low
Below
1 · Low
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Highlights

A variety of snow surfaces from old wind slabs to crusts will be encountered today.  The best way to stay out of trouble  is to travel in sheltered areas.  Good snow conditions can be found around treeline (4000-5600 ft)

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Multiple wind slabs can be found across the Selkirk, Cabinet, and Purcell mountains. Those wind slabs present in a variety of hardnesses and thicknesses, and are sandwiching weak snow crystals inbetween them, so triggering an avalanche is still possible.  Firm, hallow sounding snow can be a good indicator that your on a wind slab. 

    Brian Hilland found a reactive wind slab in the southern Selkirks

    6200' / W facing leeward slope

    Photo: B Hilland

  • Persistent Slabs

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

      Buried persistent weak layers (PWL) can be found in the upper portion of the snowpack, showing potential for instability, however they remain resistant to failure. The PWL's can be found in some variety, on most aspects, and at all elevations. Weak snow crystals, found mostly at the Lucky Friday crust have developed weak snow crystals above and below the crust, in isolated areas, throughout the region. The further north you go, the more unlikely you'll find the ' Lucky Friday' crust, but it's pretty easy to find in the southern Cabinet and Selkirk mountains.  Signifigant new snow (if that ever happens) may be the recipe for instability on this  buried persistent weak layer.

Avalanche Discussion

Yesterday we toured along ridgeline north of Blue Mountain. The clear and mostly sunny day gave good visibility across the southern Selkirks terrain. Our travel along ridge top as well as contouring around undulating features allowed us a good sense of surface conditions. We were able to see where and what variations exist all while covering some ground. Traveling by sled or boards you can gain relevant observations on the fly or with only brief stops along the way. Current models are showing weather rolling in a bit of a change, so if you get out and note something interesting, big or small, collectively share information by submitting an observation.

Regions covered