THIS AVALANCHE ADVISORY EXPIRED ON January 16, 2019 @ 6:11 am
Avalanche Advisory published on January 15, 2019 @ 6:11 am
Issued by Jeff Thompson - Idaho Panhandle Avalanche Center

Selkirks/Cabinets

bottom line

A couple days of sunshine and warm temperatures, have helped settle and consolidate the snowpack. A rain crust on the surface doesn't provide the best traveling surface, but there's something to be said for good stability and visibility! Be especially heads after the next significant snow storm. Even though the sun is helping heal the pack right now, it will leave a firm slide surface in it's wake.  

How to read the advisory

Selkirks/Cabinets

How to read the advisory

A couple days of sunshine and warm temperatures, have helped settle and consolidate the snowpack. A rain crust on the surface doesn't provide the best traveling surface, but there's something to be said for good stability and visibility! Be especially heads after the next significant snow storm. Even though the sun is helping heal the pack right now, it will leave a firm slide surface in it's wake.  

2. Moderate

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Above Treeline
Heightened avalanche conditions on specific terrain features. Evaluate snow and terrain carefully; identify features of concern.

1. Low

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Near Treeline
Generally safe avalanche conditions. Watch for unstable snow on isolated terrain features.

1. Low

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Below Treeline
Generally safe avalanche conditions. Watch for unstable snow on isolated terrain features.
    Heightened avalanche conditions on specific terrain features. Evaluate snow and terrain carefully; identify features of concern.
Avalanche Problem 1: Persistent Slab
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Persistent slabs are still the big problem. I don't completely trust this snowpack because of it. Yesterday we found a buried surface hoar layer midpack that is there but still lying dormant. One of the ways a Persistent weak layer can come alive is during a rapid warm up, so keep that in the back of your brain. It's worth looking at that layer before exposing yourself to avalanche prone slopes.  Watch out on south slopes baking in the sun all day and areas of thin snowpack (near rocks, cliffs, convexities)

Avalanche Problem 2: Deep Slab
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recent observations
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Thanks for all the recent obs! I love reading your observations! Great info

Weather and CURRENT CONDITIONS
weather summary

Expect to see one more sunny day before we transition in to colder and broken weather.

Weather observations from the Region
0600 temperature: 21 deg. F.
Max. temperature in the last 24 hours: 37 deg. F.
Average wind direction during the last 24 hours: NE
Average wind speed during the last 24 hours: 5 mph
Maximum wind gust in the last 24 hours: 16 mph
New snowfall in the last 24 hours: 0 inches
Total snow depth: 190cm inches
Two-Day Mountain Weather Forecast Produced in partnership with the Spokane NWS
For 2000 ft. to 4000 ft.
Tuesday Tuesday Night Wednesday
Weather: Sun Fog moves in Fog/rain/flurries
Temperatures: 32 deg. F. 26 deg. F. 35 deg. F.
Wind Direction: Ne NE NE
Wind Speed: 6-8 Light 2-4
Expected snowfall: 0 in. 0 in. 0 in.
For 4000 ft. to 6000 ft.
Tuesday Tuesday Night Wednesday
Weather: Sun Increasing clouds chance of flurries
Temperatures: 36 deg. F. 19 deg. F. 30 deg. F.
Wind Direction: NE NE NE
Wind Speed: 11-13 8-12 4-9
Expected snowfall: 0 in. 0 in. >1'' in.
Disclaimer

Avalanche conditions change for better or worse continually. Backcountry travelers should be prepared to assess current conditions for themselves, plan their routes of travel accordingly, and never travel alone. Backcountry travelers can reduce their exposure to avalanche hazards by utilizing timbered trails and ridge routes and by avoiding open and exposed terrain with slope angles of 30 degrees or more. Backcountry travelers should carry the necessary avalanche rescue equipment such as a shovel, avalanche probe or probe ski poles, a rescue beacon and a well-equipped first aid kit.  For a recorded version of the Avalanche Advisory call (208)765-7323.