THIS AVALANCHE ADVISORY EXPIRED ON February 22, 2020 @ 6:33 am
Avalanche Advisory published on February 21, 2020 @ 6:33 am
Issued by Melissa Hendrickson - Idaho Panhandle Avalanche Center

St. Regis Basin/Silver Valley

bottom line

Stable weather for the past several days has helped the snowpack settle and bond. Expect to find point loose wet slides when the sun heats up the southern aspects. Isolated wind slabs still remain at the highest ridges. 

How to read the advisory

St. Regis Basin/Silver Valley

How to read the advisory

Stable weather for the past several days has helped the snowpack settle and bond. Expect to find point loose wet slides when the sun heats up the southern aspects. Isolated wind slabs still remain at the highest ridges. 

1. Low

?

Above Treeline
Generally safe avalanche conditions. Watch for unstable snow on isolated terrain features.

1. Low

?

Near Treeline
Generally safe avalanche conditions. Watch for unstable snow on isolated terrain features.

1. Low

?

Below Treeline
Generally safe avalanche conditions. Watch for unstable snow on isolated terrain features.
    Generally safe avalanche conditions. Watch for unstable snow on isolated terrain features.
Avalanche Problem 1: Loose Wet
  • Type ?
  • Aspect/Elevation ?
  • Likelihood ?
    Certain
    Very Likely
    Likely
    Possible
    Unlikely
  • Size ?
    Historic
    Very Large
    Large
    Small

As the sun heats up the snow expect the danger from loose wet slides to rise.  Watch for rollerballs and pinwheels to give you an indication that it's time to head to the shadier side.  

Avalanche Problem 2: Wind Slab
  • Type ?
  • Aspect/Elevation ?
  • Likelihood ?
    Certain
    Very Likely
    Likely
    Possible
    Unlikely
  • Size ?
    Historic
    Very Large
    Large
    Small

Isolated wind slabs can still be found over 6000' at the ridgelines. Look for chalky, hollow sounding snow.  

recent observations

Yesterday we toured into the St. Regis basin and found stable conditions all around.  With the stable weather we are forecasted through the weekend, we expect this to be the case for the next couple of days.  We found some lingering wind slabs at the highest elevations and observed some rollerballs. Reports from Wednesday had easily triggered point wet slides in the afternoon on the sunny aspects.  Pay attention to your aspect and the sun.  

Make sure you have all your appropriate avalanche gear and know how to use it before committing to avalanche terrain. Enjoy the weekend.  

 

Weather and CURRENT CONDITIONS
Two-Day Mountain Weather Forecast Produced in partnership with the Spokane NWS
For 2000 ft. to 4000 ft.
Friday Friday Night Saturday
Weather: Sunny Mostly Clear Mostly Sunny
Temperatures: 42 deg. F. 27 deg. F. 44 deg. F.
Wind Direction: SW S SE
Wind Speed: 6 3-5 5
Expected snowfall: 0 in. 0 in. 0 in.
For 4000 ft. to 6000 ft.
Friday Friday Night Saturday
Weather: Sunny Partly Cloudy Mostly Sunny
Temperatures: 31 deg. F. 21 deg. F. 34 deg. F.
Wind Direction: SW SW SW
Wind Speed: 7-10 10, G 18 10, G 20
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.