THIS AVALANCHE ADVISORY EXPIRED ON February 29, 2020 @ 7:02 am
Avalanche Advisory published on February 28, 2020 @ 7:02 am
Issued by Jeff Thompson - Idaho Panhandle Avalanche Center

Kootenai
Selkirks/Cabinets

bottom line

Stable temperatures and a calmer atmosphere has allowed the snowpack to strengthen in most areas. Mother nature has kept us on our toes this winter. We've encountered many different problems in the snowpack and seen the snowpack's ability to go from very weak to super stable and back quickly. Currently to 2 forces driving our snowpack stability are wind and warming temperatures. Read more to see below to see how they're both effecting the snow.

How to read the advisory

Kootenai
Selkirks/Cabinets

How to read the advisory

Stable temperatures and a calmer atmosphere has allowed the snowpack to strengthen in most areas. Mother nature has kept us on our toes this winter. We've encountered many different problems in the snowpack and seen the snowpack's ability to go from very weak to super stable and back quickly. Currently to 2 forces driving our snowpack stability are wind and warming temperatures. Read more to see below to see how they're both effecting the snow.

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Above Treeline

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Near Treeline

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Below Treeline
Avalanche Problem 1: Wind Slab
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Even though there hasn't been much snow to speak of recently, the winds have been transporting snow and filling in leeward slopes. The winds have mostly been out of the SW-W which means SE-E-NE-N facing slopes have been filling in. Have an extra layer of caution around slopes that are wind loaded. The dense nature of wind packed snow makes it more susceptible to avalanche as one piece of slab. In other words, You could see more propagation on slopes with wind loaded snow.

Avalanche Problem 2: Loose Wet
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It's happening!!! Spring is coming and it's bringing warmer temperatures. Be cautious of slopes that are in the sun all day. Stability in the snowpack decreases quickly as temperatures rise and the sunshine warms it up. It seems early to talk about Springtime effects but traveling around yesterday, I could see the melt-freeze process starting on sunny slopes (SE-S-SW)

Weather and CURRENT CONDITIONS
weather summary

Enjoy the sunshine today. We'll start to slowing head back into colded and stormier weather over the next 10 days or so. 

Weather observations from the Region
0600 temperature: 28 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: 3-5 mph
Maximum wind gust in the last 24 hours: 17 mph
New snowfall in the last 24 hours: 0 inches
Total snow depth: 120 inches
Two-Day Mountain Weather Forecast Produced in partnership with the Spokane NWS
For 2000 ft. to 4000 ft.
Friday Friday Night Saturday
Weather: Mostly Sunny Chance of Rain/Snow Rain/Snow
Temperatures: 52 deg. F. 31 deg. F. 40 deg. F.
Wind Direction: Variable Becoming SW SW
Wind Speed: 3-5 5-8 8-11
Expected snowfall: 0 in. 0 in. 0 in.
For 4000 ft. to 6000 ft.
Friday Friday Night Saturday
Weather: Sunny Snow Snow
Temperatures: 36 deg. F. 18 deg. F. 27 deg. F.
Wind Direction: SW SW SW
Wind Speed: 8-10 18-26 18-21 G33
Expected snowfall: 0 in. >1'' 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.