THIS AVALANCHE ADVISORY EXPIRED ON February 4, 2020 @ 5:00 pm
Avalanche Advisory published on February 3, 2020 @ 5:00 pm
Issued by Kevin Davis - Idaho Panhandle Avalanche Center

Selkirks/Cabinets

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The warm weather and rain from Friday and Saturday has created a firm crust on all aspects and all elevations in the Selkirk and Cabinet Mountains today. The avalanche hazard is low but that will change with the new snow and wind in the forecast this week. Read on.

How to read the advisory

Selkirks/Cabinets

How to read the advisory

The warm weather and rain from Friday and Saturday has created a firm crust on all aspects and all elevations in the Selkirk and Cabinet Mountains today. The avalanche hazard is low but that will change with the new snow and wind in the forecast this week. Read on.

1. Low

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

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.
    Generally safe avalanche conditions. Watch for unstable snow on isolated terrain features.
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Eric and I were in the Selkirk Mountains yesterday and found a breakable crust on easterly aspects and a firm crust on westerly aspects. It seems that aspects that were exposed to the most wind and rain have the most firm crust now.  We could see the sun glinting off of distant peaks revealing a very smooth frozen surface on numerous faces.  The early sun was melting some snow on steep east aspects as well as any surface hoar that may have formed.  Wind seems to have been doing its job too at knocking down surface hoar on other slopes.  We did not find surface hoar in the mountains yesterday but the conditions to form it definately happened Sunday night, and Monday night too.  It may be protected on sheltered northerly aspects where no sun, nor wind was able to destroy it.  Remember this for when the next round of snow comes this week.  Also, it seems that the temperature may be on the cold side with the next round of snow.  If this is the case, the new snow will not bond well to the crust and we could have a very nasty weak layer to contend with.  We'll have to see so play it safe if you're out in the mountains this week and let us know what you find. The wind will also play a factor in shaping our avalanche problem. With new snow and SW wind in the forecast you should expect that easterly aspects will be heavily loaded.

Weather and CURRENT CONDITIONS
Weather observations from the Region
0600 temperature: 6 deg. F.
Max. temperature in the last 24 hours: 19 deg. F.
Average wind direction during the last 24 hours: NNE
Average wind speed during the last 24 hours: 8 mph
Maximum wind gust in the last 24 hours: 11 mph
New snowfall in the last 24 hours: 0 inches
Total snow depth: 110 inches
Two-Day Mountain Weather Forecast Produced in partnership with the Spokane NWS
For 2000 ft. to 4000 ft.
Monday Monday Night Tuesday
Weather: A 30 percent chance of snow, mainly after 4pm. Patchy freezing fog before 1pm. Increasing clouds. Wind chill values as low as -1. A 30 percent chance of snow, mainly before 7pm. Cloudy. A 50 percent chance of snow, mainly before 1pm. Cloudy.
Temperatures: 28 deg. F. 20 deg. F. 34 deg. F.
Wind Direction: W SW SW
Wind Speed: 5-10 becoming S 7-9mph 8mph
Expected snowfall: <1/2 in. <1/2 in. <1/2 in.
For 4000 ft. to 6000 ft.
Monday Monday Night Tuesday
Weather: Snow likely, mainly after 4pm. Increasing clouds. Wind chill values as low as -14. Breezy. Chance of precipitation is 60%. Snow. The snow could be heavy at times. Wind chill values as low as -8. Breezy. Chance of precipitation is 80%. Snow, mainly before 1pm. The snow could be heavy at times. Wind chill values as low as zero. Breezy. Chance of precipitation is 90%.
Temperatures: 17 deg. F. 11 deg. F. 24 deg. F.
Wind Direction: W SW SW
Wind Speed: 10-15 becoming SW 17-22mph 21-23mph 20-22mph
Expected snowfall: <1/2 in. 3-7 in. 3-5 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.