Storm Slabs
- Alta quota
- Limite del bosco
- Sotto il limite del bosco
- Probabilità
- Very Likely
- Dimensione
- 2–3
Over the past 48 hours, snowfall accumulations have ranged from 10 to 16 inches in the Bitterroots, 10 to 20 inches in the Selkirks, and more than 25 inches in the Cabinets. Over the past 48 hour period, 2 to 3.5 inches of snow water equivalent has been recorded. This substantial new snowfall has formed multiple storm slabs, which are now sitting atop previous storm slabs from earlier in the week. The added snow load is placing significant stress on multiple weak interfaces in the upper snowpack, with stability varying based on aspect and elevation. Moderate to strong southwest winds have actively transported snow into starting zones on the leeward sides of mountains, further elevating the avalanche danger in those areas. Both natural and human-triggered avalanches are very likely today on slopes over 30 degrees.
(3/16/2025)
A skier-triggered slide on an east-facing slope around 6400 feet. The slide broke over 300 feet wide and around 2 feet deep, and likely failed at either a recent storm interface or in softer snow above a sun crust. Blue Mountain, Selkirk Mountains. March 16, 2025.
Photo: Chris Bilbrey