Avalanche forecast

Selkirk Mountains

Idaho Panhandle Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Sat
Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
3 · Considerable
Below
2 · Moderate
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Highlights

New snow and strong winds increase avalanche danger today. New snow falling on a variety of surfaces or near surface layers, including solar crusts, wind boards and subtitle density changes, will stress weak layers within the upper snowpack and increase the likelihood of triggering a large avalanche. Dial back your terrain choices to give yourself a wider margin of error. Avoid slopes over 30 degrees - especially during periods of intense precipitation or where you see cracking in the surface or feel collapsing under your feet.

Avalanche problems

  • Storm Slabs

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

    New snow totals from the past 24hrs range from 6 inches in the Bitterroots and Selkirks to 11 inches in the Cabinets. Add to this an additional 4 to 9 inches today and you have a significant storm slab that will stress weak layers in the upper snowpack that vary by aspect and elevation. A 4cm sun crust developed on Wednesday, while slight density changes within new/old snow interfaces are likely places for storm slab avalanches to fail. Adding to the storm slab problem, strong winds from the past 24hrs that continue today will transport snow onto the lee side of ridges and terrain features. Storm slabs will increase in size and sensitivity as the day progresses. Be on the lookout for pillows, Styrofoam textured snow, and density changes. If you observe shooting cracks or collapsing underfoot, backoff and choose more conservative terrain.

    Storm snow will be falling on a variety of surfaces and strong winds will increase the likelihood of slab avalanches. (3/19/2025) Photo: Izzy Davis

Avalanche Discussion

After a brief window of Spring like weather on Wednesday, winter weather has again entered the forecast area. Significant snowfall and wind in the last 24hrs have amped up the avalanche danger. Yesterday we observed wind transported snow, cornice growth and cracking wind slaps. With the continued strong winds from the southwest, expect wind slabs on all north and east aspects to continue to grow in size and sensitivity. Widespread variance in the upper snowpack complicates the problem, with sun crusts, wind board and density changes, now buried under new snow. As snow totals continue to stack up today weak layers in the upper snowpack will be stressed.

Dialing back your terrain choices and starting the day with a conservative mindset are warranted today. Avoid slopes over 30 degrees - especially during periods of intense precipitation or where you see cracking in the surface or feel collapsing under your feet. Superb skiing and riding can be had on lower angled terrain, especially on sheltered northern aspects. Snow level is expected to rise to 4000 feet today with above freezing temperatures likely at lower elevations. If you start to see clues of wet snow problems, like snow globing onto skis or skins, deep boot penetration, growing roller balls and tree bombs, it is time to begin your exit and head towards the truck.

An additional foot or more of snowfall is expected overnight across the forecast region, with new snow totals during a 48hr period of 20 inches possible in some locations. Heavy snowfall will likely further increase the avalanche danger on Saturday. Be sure to read the avalanche forecast tomorrow and heed red flags if you choose to travel into the mountains.

Regions covered