THIS AVALANCHE ADVISORY EXPIRED ON February 19, 2020 @ 7:02 am
Avalanche Advisory published on February 18, 2020 @ 7:02 am
Issued by Jeff Thompson - Idaho Panhandle Avalanche Center

Selkirks/Cabinets
St. Regis Basin/Silver Valley

bottom line

New snow and wind have been loading the snowpack this past weekend. Have some extra caution on wind loaded slopes. The prevailing winds were out of the Southwest so look for most of the new loading on northeast through southeast slopes. Cornices have grown quite a bit as well. Be aware of your location when approaching cornices. Enjoy the sunshine!

How to read the advisory

Selkirks/Cabinets
St. Regis Basin/Silver Valley

How to read the advisory

New snow and wind have been loading the snowpack this past weekend. Have some extra caution on wind loaded slopes. The prevailing winds were out of the Southwest so look for most of the new loading on northeast through southeast slopes. Cornices have grown quite a bit as well. Be aware of your location when approaching cornices. Enjoy the sunshine!

2. Moderate

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

2. Moderate

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

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: Wind Slab
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A lot of the new snow the mountains received over the weekend got transported onto leeward slopes. I'd recommend avoiding steep wind loaded slopes, especially below ridges. There are areas around treeline that stayed pretty sheltered and still have good powder conditions to play in.

Avalanche Problem 2: Persistent Slab
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Most of the avalanche problem will be in the top meter of the snowpack. Persistent layers are a concern right now, but mostly on slopes that were wind loaded over the weekend. The more weight (new snow) that loaded on a slope, the more of a chance of waking up buried layers. Dense wind slabs over weak facets is a concern as well. There should be good visibility today, so look at the slope you're considering to slide on. If it looks wind loaded or really filled in with new snow, it might be good to find a different line. Cornices above you are a clear sign of wind loading

Weather and CURRENT CONDITIONS
Weather observations from the Region
0600 temperature: 24 deg. F.
Max. temperature in the last 24 hours: 39 deg. F.
Average wind direction during the last 24 hours: SW
Average wind speed during the last 24 hours: 6-12 mph
Maximum wind gust in the last 24 hours: 21 mph
New snowfall in the last 24 hours: 0 inches
Total snow depth: 127 inches
Two-Day Mountain Weather Forecast Produced in partnership with the Spokane NWS
For 2000 ft. to 4000 ft.
Tuesday Tuesday Night Wednesday
Weather: Sunny Clear Sunny
Temperatures: 36 deg. F. 18 deg. F. 37 deg. F.
Wind Direction: N NE NE
Wind Speed: 3-6 2-5 4-8
Expected snowfall: 0 in. 0 in. 0 in.
For 4000 ft. to 6000 ft.
Tuesday Tuesday Night Wednesday
Weather: Sunny Clear Sunny
Temperatures: 21 deg. F. 7 deg. F. 24 deg. F.
Wind Direction: NW NW NW
Wind Speed: 7-11 7-9 7-9
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.