Bollettino valanghe

Silver Valley & Bitterroot Mountains

Idaho Panhandle Avalanche Center
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Pericolo valanghe

Wed
Alta quota
2 · Moderato
Limite del bosco
1 · Debole
Sotto il limite
1 · Debole
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In sintesi

Human-triggered avalanches are possible on slopes with wind loading. The recent storm snow has begun to settle, yet remains susceptible for sliding on steeper slopes. Stay alert to changing conditions and warming temps throughout the upcoming days. 

Problemi valanghivi

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alta quota
    • Limite del bosco
    • Sotto il limite del bosco
    Probabilità
    Possible
    Dimensione
    1–2

    Recent winds have created wind slabs at higher elevations. Be cautious for wind slabs beneath the leeward sides of ridges or in crossloaded gullies.  Blowing snow, cracking, or collapsing in drifted snow are signs of wind effected snow. Human-triggered slides are possible on slopes with wind loading, particularly near cornices. Great skiing up high however, best practice is to opt for travel at and below treeline in low angled, sheltered or wind-scoured areas.

    (2/5/2024)

    Winds create cornices that can break off the terrain suddenly and pull back onto the ridge top and catch people by surprise, even on the flat ground above the slope. Small cornices can have enough mass to be destructive and deadly. Cornice Fall can entrain loose surface snow or trigger slab avalanches.

    Photo: Brian Hilland

Avalanche Discussion

Following last week’s uncharacteristically warm conditions, winter made another appearance and delivered a fresh 6"-8" to the mountains. But with a shift in weather comes a shift in avalanche problems. the region saw wet snow problems as the primary concern last week, and now we transition to the new snow creating our current primary avalanche concerns. Moderate winds from the S/SW have drifted new snow to the Northern side of ridgelines. On Monday we observed a density change underfoot as we traversed closer to the North side of ridges, noticing the snow feeling firmer and a bit hollow. This was coinciding with cracking underneath our skis. We watched snow transport, and knew we were witnessing all the tell-tale signs of wind slabs. Since the best skiing and riding can be found in the upper elevation band, this is a problem to be aware of if you decide to go enjoy the fresh snow. 

Thanks to some recent colder temperatures, last week’s rain saturated and wet surface snow has now turned into a thick and supportable rain crust. Even better, the new snow that fell on top of it seems to be bonding well. We are happy to see this rain crust be so thick and supportable, because it is bridging any possible instabilities and the saturated and moist snow below it. 

Temperatures will rise a bit today, reaching the mid 30's at mid elevation slopes. With this new temperature change, keeping an eye on changing snow conditions should be on your radar. On wind affected slopes, the new snow is not deep enough to create a consequential loose or "sluff" avalanche on its own, but could be more dangerous in very steep and rocky terrain. 

We would like to extend a big thank you to Lookout Pass for giving us ski passes for the day, which allowed us to access out of bounds terrain to gather data and observations. 

Regioni coperte