Silver Valley & Bitterroot Mountains

Triggering an avalanche is most likely at mid and upper elevations where strong winds and new snow continue to thicken wind slabs. These new slabs will be most reactive to the weight of skier or snowmobiler below ridgelines, along gully walls and on steep open slopes that collect windblown snow. Due to how consistent the strong winds have been, you may encounter slabs lower in terrain features than you usually might expect. Seeing cracks extending beyond your skis or board, observing active wind loading below ridge lines and feeling a denser, punchy surface are all red flags that this problem may be present. Adjust your travel to lower angle terrain if you encounter any of these warning signs.

The wild weather roller coaster that we have been on keeps going, but we will see a slight reprieve today. The good news is that the addition of nearly 12 inches of snow across the northern mountains in the previous 24 hours is helping to make the mountains resemble something closer to a winter environment than what we’ve seen recently.

Thanks to some colder temperatures and lowering snow lines, the mountains now have a blanket of new snow at mid and upper elevations. Snow totals vary widely across the north and south, with the north receiving the upper hand and the south coming up short with an average of 4 inches. Temperatures had a sharp increase late last night and early this morning, which has created denser snow atop the initial lighter snow, and scattered rain in certain areas.

Over the previous couple of days, wind speeds across the forecast region have landed above 80mph. Not only have these impressive wind speeds complicated the avalanche problems, but they have also complicated access to the mountains, causing lots of new downfall and widespread power outages across the Panhandle. The crux of the wind speeds have passed us and are in the rear view now, but gusts reaching the 50s will linger early this morning as a cold front passes through, before hovering in the 20-30smph for the rest of the day. Even though these speeds are significantly less than the main event, they are plenty strong to continue to transport the new snow and thicken existing slabs.

Today will be all about monitoring surface conditions, conservative terrain choices, and a willingness to adjust plans. Storm slabs will be reactive, and slabs are large enough to bury, injure or kill an induvial. Slabs will become even larger in areas exposed to wind, where drifting has increased slab depth and sensitivity. Watch for surface clues and stick to low angle terrain to decrease exposure.