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.
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.
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Above Treeline
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Near Treeline
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Below Treeline
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.
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.
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.
| 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 |
| 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. |
| 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. |
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.
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