THIS AVALANCHE ADVISORY EXPIRED ON January 15, 2020 @ 6:13 am
Avalanche Advisory published on January 14, 2020 @ 6:13 am
Issued by Melissa Hendrickson - Idaho Panhandle Avalanche Center

St. Regis Basin/Silver Valley

bottom line

Storm snow from the past weekend is starting to stabilize but still has potential to trigger avalanches. Watch out for wind slabs on steep terrain below ridges and cornices. We have a break in the weather so conditions should continue to stabilize. 

How to read the advisory

St. Regis Basin/Silver Valley

How to read the advisory

Storm snow from the past weekend is starting to stabilize but still has potential to trigger avalanches. Watch out for wind slabs on steep terrain below ridges and cornices. We have a break in the weather so conditions should continue to stabilize. 

3. Considerable

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Above Treeline
Dangerous avalanche conditions. Careful snowpack evaluation, cautious route-finding and conservative decision-making essential.

3. Considerable

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Near Treeline
Dangerous avalanche conditions. Careful snowpack evaluation, cautious route-finding and conservative decision-making essential.

2. Moderate

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Below Treeline
Heightened avalanche conditions on specific terrain features. Evaluate snow and terrain carefully; identify features of concern.
    Dangerous avalanche conditions. Careful snowpack evaluation, cautious route-finding and conservative decision-making essential.
Avalanche Problem 1: Wind Slab
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The last large storm came in with predominantly S-SW winds, so expect to find the biggest windslabs on the N and E facing slopes. In the night we picked up a couple new inches of very cold, light snow with winds from the North, so expect small windslabs on the S aspects today at the ridgelines.  Look for chalky colored, pillowy snow that sounds hollow.  If you hear cracking or whoomphing, you've had wind loading in your area and stay out of the steeper terrain. 

Avalanche Problem 2: Storm Slab
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We recieved a lot of snow in a short amount of time.  Give this time to stabilize and strengthen.  There are a variety of surfaces that it fell on: some are more stable than others.  It will still be possible to trigger storm slabs today.  

recent observations
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The storm cycle we just came out of blanketed our region with a lot of snow, all the way down to the valleys.  I'm hoping it means that winter is here to stay! Our pit tests yesterday were less reactive, but there were lots of sensitive wind slabs.  There has been lots of snow transport and will continue to be with the cold, light snow we are forecasted to recieve today.  This will continue to form wind slabs throughout the day. Our weather looks pretty stable, but also pretty cold for the next couple of days. Bundle up and stay conservative.  

Weather and CURRENT CONDITIONS
Two-Day Mountain Weather Forecast Produced in partnership with the Spokane NWS
For 2000 ft. to 4000 ft.
Tuesday Tuesday Night Wednesday
Weather: Snow Chance snow Slight Chance snow
Temperatures: 18 deg. F. 9 deg. F. 23 deg. F.
Wind Direction: SW SW S
Wind Speed: 5 3-5 8
Expected snowfall: 1-3 in. <1 in. 0 in.
For 4000 ft. to 6000 ft.
Tuesday Tuesday Night Wednesday
Weather: Snow and patchy blowing snow snow likely and areas blowing snow chance snow
Temperatures: 11 and dropping deg. F. 5 deg. F. 15 deg. F.
Wind Direction: SW SW SE
Wind Speed: 13-17, G25 18, G26 11-15
Expected snowfall: 3-5 in. 1-3 in. <.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.  For a recorded version of the Avalanche Advisory call (208)765-7323.