THIS AVALANCHE ADVISORY EXPIRED ON January 12, 2020 @ 7:57 amAvalanche Advisory published on January 11, 2020 @ 7:57 am
Issued by
Ben Bernall - Kootenai National Forest
Kootenai
Selkirks/Cabinets
St. Regis Basin/Silver Valley

bottom line
Heavy snowfall and strong winds entered the area on Friday and will continue to impact the mountains of North Idaho and Northwest Montana throughout the weekend. Avoid riding on or below steep terrain this weekend as the new storm will be easily triggered. Avalanche paths and runouts will also be of concern as slides could step down to deeper weak layers and run long distances.
Kootenai
Selkirks/Cabinets
St. Regis Basin/Silver Valley
How to read the advisory
Heavy snowfall and strong winds entered the area on Friday and will continue to impact the mountains of North Idaho and Northwest Montana throughout the weekend. Avoid riding on or below steep terrain this weekend as the new storm will be easily triggered. Avalanche paths and runouts will also be of concern as slides could step down to deeper weak layers and run long distances.

4. High
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Above Treeline
Very dangerous avalanche conditions. Travel in avalanche terrain not recommended.
4. High
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Near Treeline
Very dangerous avalanche conditions. Travel in avalanche terrain not recommended.
3. Considerable
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Below Treeline
Dangerous avalanche conditions. Careful snowpack evaluation, cautious route-finding and conservative decision-making essential.
Very dangerous avalanche conditions. Travel in avalanche terrain not recommended.
Avalanche Problem 1: Storm Slab
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It's coming down hard out there with more snow on the way! If you are going into the mountains today show up with a conservative plan and mindset. New storm snow will slide easily as much of it is falling on a weak interface of graupel that fell during the last storm. Human triggered avalanches are likely today in any terrain over 30° and will likely remain that way until the storm snow has ample time to settle out.
Avalanche Problem 2: Wind Slab
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advisory discussion
Let's keep it simple today. Rapid loading and strong winds are never good for stability. Avoid all steep slopes, avalanche paths and runouts this weekend.
On Thursday all zones were finding that the previous storm snow was settling and making it's way towards stability. However, we were also finding weak layers close to the surface of the last storm snow and deeper weak layers that could be activated and sensitive as they adapt to a new load of storm snow.
Weather and CURRENT CONDITIONS
weather summary
Backcountry Forecast from NWS Missoula issued: 340 AM MST Sat Jan 11 2020 DISCUSSION: NORTHWEST MONTANA: A second surge of significant moisture will be moving into Northwest Montana this morning, bringing another round of moderate to heavy snow to the region through this evening. The higher snow amounts will be in the higher terrain along the Idaho Panhandle, where another foot of snow is expected along with isolated higher amounts. Breezy southwest winds up to 30 mph for elevations above 5000 feet will continue. An even stronger system, with more moisture is poised to move into the area Sunday night into Monday. At the same time, an arctic push will drop south out of Canada Sunday evening into Monday. The artic front and airmass is expected to make it as far west as the Whitefish range. Gusty northeast winds and significantly colder temperatures are anticipated along this boundary. Next week will be much colder with continued periods of snow.
NORTH CENTRAL IDAHO: Another surge of pacific moisture will bring a second round of moderate to heavy snow to the mountains above the Highway 12 corridor this morning through the evening hours tonight. Another 10 to 15 inches of snow is expected in the higher terrain. Light but persistent snow will likely continue through Sunday before an even stronger surge of moisture increases snowfall intensity Sunday evening into Monday. Much colder temperatures are expected by early next week with continued periods of snow likely. Kootenai: --------------------------- 5000-7000 FT ---------------------------- Today Tonight Sun Cloud Cover 95% 90% 95% Hi/Lo Temps 24 to 30 16 to 22 21 to 27 Winds(mph) S 15G31 SW 19G36 SE 15G32 Precip Chc 90 90 90 Precip Type snow snow snow Liquid Amt 0.29 0.20 0.26 Snow Ratio(SLR) 17:1 18:1 20:1 Snow Amt(in) 4-11 3-9 5-8 Snow Level 2000 1500 500
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.
This website is owned and maintained by the Friends of the Idaho Panhandle Avalanche Center. Some of the content is updated by the USDA avalanche forecasters including the forecasts and some observational data. The USDA is not responsible for any advertising, fund-raising events/information, or sponsorship information, or other content not related to the forecasts and the data pertaining to the forecasts.