Avalanche forecast

Selkirk Mountains

Idaho Panhandle Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Wed
Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
3 · Considerable
Below
2 · Moderate
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Out of date — this forecast expired 6 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

Persistent problems continue in the snowpack. Even though the weather has changed quite a bit this past week the buried surface hoar from February 6th still a big problem in the snowpack.

There have been multiple reports of human triggered and natural avalanches across the Silver Valley and Selkirk/Cabinet zones. Strong easterly winds and bitter cold temps this past week have redistributed snow into places not normally loaded with snow. Windward slopes (S-SW-W-NW) that do not normally have wind deposited snow now have some wind slabs in the starting zones (reverse loading). On some N-E facing slopes the loose snow on the surface has been so striped away that the mid-January rain crust is visible again! Currently, the mountains are receiving new snow which should continue through the weekend.

Don’t let the new snow distract you from the underlying problems in the snowpack. Avalanches are happening on slopes that don’t historically slide so don’t rely on past experiences as a decision making tool.

Avalanche problems

  • Deep Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Likely
    Size
    1–3

    The buried surface hoar is still the chief complaint in the snowpack. It's responsible for hundreds of avalanches within the forecast zones. The surface hoar layer is acting a little more stubborn than it was before but still causing large propagation across  slopes. Many of the avalanches caused by this layer are being triggered from below the slope. Make sure safe zones are truly safe. Stay away from avalanche runout zones.

    Surface hoar- Jan 6th

  • Loose Dry

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

    New snow is starting to pile up in the mountains. We're only seeing 1-4'' daily, but that could add up  by the weekend to be a problem. If winds start to transport this new snow the danger will increase on leeward slopes. Winds are forecasted to be primarily out of the W.

    Field view- Moose lake shelter

Avalanche Discussion

A week snow system will linger around the forecast areas. Expect small amounts of snow daily through the weekend. Temperatures will remain on the colder side with a slow warm up each day.  Light to moderate winds out of the west are expected until Friday.

Regions covered