THIS AVALANCHE ADVISORY EXPIRED ON January 3, 2018 @ 5:48 am
Avalanche Advisory published on January 2, 2018 @ 5:48 am
Issued by Jeff Thompson - Idaho Panhandle Avalanche Center

Selkirks/Cabinets

bottom line

The snowpack is beginning to heal after a to 2+ ft. deposit of snow across the region last week. Even though the snowpack is getting stronger, there are still multiple persistent weak layers that can be easily triggered causing avalanches.  Be conservative in your decision making and route finding. There's plenty of good snowmobiling and skiing to be had out there if you choose your terrain appropriately.  Dangerous avalanche conditions still exist but are slowly strengthening day by day. 

How to read the advisory

Selkirks/Cabinets

How to read the advisory

The snowpack is beginning to heal after a to 2+ ft. deposit of snow across the region last week. Even though the snowpack is getting stronger, there are still multiple persistent weak layers that can be easily triggered causing avalanches.  Be conservative in your decision making and route finding. There's plenty of good snowmobiling and skiing to be had out there if you choose your terrain appropriately.  Dangerous avalanche conditions still exist but are slowly strengthening day by day. 

3. Considerable

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Above Treeline
Dangerous avalanche conditions. Careful snowpack evaluation, cautious route-finding and conservative decision-making essential.

3. Considerable

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Near Treeline
Dangerous avalanche conditions. Careful snowpack evaluation, cautious route-finding and conservative decision-making essential.

2. Moderate

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Below Treeline
Heightened avalanche conditions on specific terrain features. Evaluate snow and terrain carefully; identify features of concern.
    Dangerous avalanche conditions. Careful snowpack evaluation, cautious route-finding and conservative decision-making essential.
Avalanche Problem 1: Persistent Slab
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There's a buried surface hoar layer in many areas. In the southern Selkirk mountains it can be found between 4,000-6,000 ft. The buried surface hoar isn't in all areas so be sure to dig down and see if it's in the places your choosing to travel. We've been finding it near treeline about 18'' deep. It's still very reactive and could be a problem for a while.

Avalanche Problem 2: Storm Slab
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The storm slabs are strengthening but at a slower rate than normal due to the cold temperatures recently. 

Weather and CURRENT CONDITIONS
weather summary

Expect a slight warming trend until the weekend. The next chance for snow will be Thursday (Jan 4) through next Monday (Jan 8). Right now models aren't showing this to be a strong system but could see a couple inches out of it. The strongest part of the storm looks like it will show up Friday night into Saturday.  

Weather observations from the Region
0600 temperature: 22 deg. F.
Max. temperature in the last 24 hours: 22 deg. F.
Average wind direction during the last 24 hours: NE
Average wind speed during the last 24 hours: 15 mph
Maximum wind gust in the last 24 hours: 24 mph
New snowfall in the last 24 hours: 0 inches
Total snow depth: 72 inches
Two-Day Mountain Weather Forecast Produced in partnership with the Spokane NWS
For 2000 ft. to 4000 ft.
Tuesday Tuesday Night Wednesday
Weather: Cloudy Cloudy / Slight chance of snow Slight chance of snow / cloudy
Temperatures: high 22 deg. F. low 22 deg. F. high 26 deg. F.
Wind Direction: NE NE NE
Wind Speed: 5-7 6-8 6-8
Expected snowfall: 0 in. 0 in. 0 in.
For 4000 ft. to 6000 ft.
Tuesday Tuesday Night Wednesday
Weather: Cloudy Coudy / Slight chance of snow Slight chance of snow / cloudy
Temperatures: high 24 deg. F. low 22 deg. F. high 28 deg. F.
Wind Direction: 8-10 10-12 10-12
Wind Speed: NE NE NE
Expected snowfall: 0 in. 0 in. 0 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.