THIS AVALANCHE ADVISORY EXPIRED ON January 1, 2020 @ 6:52 am
Avalanche Advisory published on December 31, 2019 @ 6:52 am
Issued by Jeff Thompson - Idaho Panhandle Avalanche Center

Selkirks/Cabinets

bottom line

Happy New Year! 2020 is going to be welcomed by a strong winter storm! A strong winter storm showed up in the panhandle last night. This storm looks like it will linger around until the weekend. Expect to see 30'' of snow above 5000' by the weekend. Even though the avalanche danger is pretty tame right now, I expect it will increase with the new snow. 

How to read the advisory

Selkirks/Cabinets

How to read the advisory

Happy New Year! 2020 is going to be welcomed by a strong winter storm! A strong winter storm showed up in the panhandle last night. This storm looks like it will linger around until the weekend. Expect to see 30'' of snow above 5000' by the weekend. Even though the avalanche danger is pretty tame right now, I expect it will increase with the new snow. 

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: Storm Slab
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The arrival of new snow will increase the avalanche danger. The  snowpack on the ground has firmed up quite a bit over the last week. The new snow is going to fall on a firm snow surface in most areas. The interface between the old snow surface and the new snow will be the indicator for stability. More than likely the new light snow falling on an old firm surface will create an increased avalanche probability. Be especially careful near ridges and areas of deeper snow, such as windward slopes.

Avalanche Problem 2: Deep Slab
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Deep slab instabilities are still a concern. Conditions deep in the snowpack has changed quite a bit over the past week. There are some layers to keep, an eye on but with the snowpack currently stability, I don't anticipate those layers being a problem until we see warmer temperatures or rain. The concern today should be focused on the new snow. Just keep in mind these layers are down in the snowpack, even if they're laying dormant right now.

Weather and CURRENT CONDITIONS
weather summary

A STRONG WINTER STORM HAS ARRIVED IN THE IDAHO PANHANDLE. Expect this storm to produce large amounts of snow above 5000'. The strongest part of this storm will be today through New years day but expect snow showers to continue into the weekend.

Weather observations from the Region
0600 temperature: 31 deg. F.
Max. temperature in the last 24 hours: 38 deg. F.
Average wind direction during the last 24 hours: SW
Average wind speed during the last 24 hours: 6 mph
Maximum wind gust in the last 24 hours: 19 mph
New snowfall in the last 24 hours: 2'' inches
Total snow depth: 140 cm inches
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/rain Rain likely
Temperatures: 35 deg. F. 33 deg. F. 36 deg. F.
Wind Direction: SW SW SW
Wind Speed: calm 5-7 8-9
Expected snowfall: 2-4'' in. >.5'' in. >.5'' in.
For 4000 ft. to 6000 ft.
Tuesday Tuesday Night Wednesday
Weather: Snow Snow Snow
Temperatures: 26 deg. F. 26 deg. F. 28 deg. F.
Wind Direction: SW SW SW
Wind Speed: 18-20 24-27 24-26
Expected snowfall: 7-11'' in. 5-9'' 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.