THIS AVALANCHE ADVISORY EXPIRED ON February 22, 2020 @ 7:19 am
Avalanche Advisory published on February 21, 2020 @ 7:19 am
Issued by Eric Morgan - Idaho Panhandle Avalanche Center

Selkirks/Cabinets

bottom line

Soft snow conditions consisting of preserved good quality snow from last weeks storms.  Cool temperatures and light winds have created ideal surface snow conditions with soft snow on top and getting more dense as you go down to the hard ice crust a foot and a half down.  

How to read the advisory

Selkirks/Cabinets

How to read the advisory

Soft snow conditions consisting of preserved good quality snow from last weeks storms.  Cool temperatures and light winds have created ideal surface snow conditions with soft snow on top and getting more dense as you go down to the hard ice crust a foot and a half down.  

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: Wind Slab
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Wind slabs exist on the upper subalpine and alpine zones across the forecast area on Leeward aspects in open terrain.  The trouble will most likely be isolated to these areas as the winds have not been too bad the past week.  

Avalanche Problem 2: Persistent Slab
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Surface hoar is buried about a foot down on cooler and protected N and E aspects.  It has not been widespread due to last weeks winds that blew it off before the Presidents weekend storms that deposited about a foot of good quality snow.  What you see on the surface of the snow today is what is buried below.  With new snow expected later in the weekend, expect to see the current surface hoar to become buried, creating another weak layer of concern.  

recent observations
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In the Selkirk Range yesterday, Kevin and I found excellent cold snow conditions with light snow on top of more dense snow before you penetrate down to the bomber ice crust about 1.5 to 2 feet deep.  On the Northerly sheltered areas we found some buried surface hoar a foot down that took a little effort to get to fail on a compression tap test of 20.  There was not a slab on top of that layer currently.  Just keep an eye out for new snow accumulations throughout the weekend to see how things shake out on what will become the new weak layer.  The steeper solar aspects were getting some sun affect and will crust up with cool night time temperatures.  This will be another observation to take note of with any new snow.  

Weather and CURRENT CONDITIONS
weather summary

Mostly sunny skies with daytime temperatures near 30 and nighttime temps in the teens.  Light winds with new snow expected to return to the area Saturday night and into Sunday which could amount to somewhere in the 8 inch range based on current models.  

Weather observations from the Region
0600 temperature: 20 deg. F.
Max. temperature in the last 24 hours: 33 deg. F.
Average wind direction during the last 24 hours: calm
Average wind speed during the last 24 hours: mph
Maximum wind gust in the last 24 hours: mph
New snowfall in the last 24 hours: inches
Total snow depth: 114 inches
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.