THIS AVALANCHE ADVISORY EXPIRED ON January 1, 2020 @ 6:05 am
Avalanche Advisory published on December 31, 2019 @ 6:05 am
Issued by Melissa Hendrickson - Idaho Panhandle Avalanche Center

St. Regis Basin/Silver Valley

bottom line

Out with the old and in with the new...doesn’t exactly translate to snowpack and avalanche risk. Still of concern are our persistent weak layers. They are getting more stable, but could be woken up again with new loading. Wednesday will bring us some different problems to consider for the first day of 2020; storm slabs and windslabs. Expect the avalanche danger to rise as the next storm cycle hits. 

How to read the advisory

St. Regis Basin/Silver Valley

How to read the advisory

Out with the old and in with the new...doesn’t exactly translate to snowpack and avalanche risk. Still of concern are our persistent weak layers. They are getting more stable, but could be woken up again with new loading. Wednesday will bring us some different problems to consider for the first day of 2020; storm slabs and windslabs. Expect the avalanche danger to rise as the next storm cycle hits. 

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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Entering broken record territory here. The persistent weak layers are still reacting, but becoming more stable as time increases.  There is potential for them to be woken up with increased loading, so heads up as the snow builds up weight on them with this storm cycle. Still most worried about these having potential to slide where we have smooth bed surfaces above 6000 ft. The only way to know they are there is to dig down and assess.

Avalanche Problem 2: Wind Slab
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Small amount of new snow overnight with gusty winds created small windslabs on the ridges and peaks. Expect this danger to increase as the storm progresses, with lots of new snow and winds in the 40s and 50s. Expect windslabs and cross loading in the N-E aspects to occur during the day on Tuesday and into Wednesday.

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At the time of this forecast, we are still in low tide with conditions at our higher elevations working on stabilizing. Snow and winds are expected all day today, tonight and tomorrow, which will cause our avalanche conditions to rise as the storm progresses due to windslabs and storm slabs.  I expect to see the persistent weak layers becoming more reactive with the added loading. Treat every slope as suspect and start off the New Year by playing it cautious.  I challenge everyone to make a NewYears goal of sending in an observation. I look forward to reading them. laugh

 

 

Weather and CURRENT CONDITIONS
Two-Day Mountain Weather Forecast Produced in partnership with the Spokane NWS
For 2000 ft. to 4000 ft.
Tuesday Tuesday Night Wednesday
Weather: Snow Rain/snow then rain Rain/snow and breezy
Temperatures: 35 deg. F. 33 deg. F. 38 deg. F.
Wind Direction: S S SW
Wind Speed: 6-11 14-17, G28 16-22
Expected snowfall: 2-4 in. 1-3 in. 0 in.
For 4000 ft. to 6000 ft.
Tuesday Tuesday Night Wednesday
Weather: Snow and patchy blowing snow Heavy snow and areas of blowing snow Heavy snow and areas of blowing snow
Temperatures: 29 deg. F. 29 deg. F. 32 deg. F.
Wind Direction: SW W SW
Wind Speed: 21-25, G41 25-34, G55 33-36
Expected snowfall: 3-7 in. 8-12 in. 4-8 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.