The snowpack is currently recovering from the recent storms. The Cabinet and Selkirk mountains received well over 3' of snow, which added a huge load and increased the avalanche danger. Currently we're seeing the snowpack heal and gain strength back from the big weight added last week. Even though the snowpack is healing, there are still plenty of instabilities to be aware of. Cold temperatures and small snow storms will dominate the weather pattern for the rest of the week.
The snowpack is currently recovering from the recent storms. The Cabinet and Selkirk mountains received well over 3' of snow, which added a huge load and increased the avalanche danger. Currently we're seeing the snowpack heal and gain strength back from the big weight added last week. Even though the snowpack is healing, there are still plenty of instabilities to be aware of. Cold temperatures and small snow storms will dominate the weather pattern for the rest of the week.
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Above Treeline
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Near Treeline
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Below Treeline
The recent new snow created the biggest hazzard currently in the snowpack. Look for clues of recent avalanches while you're out in the backcountry. Clues of instability could be: signs of recent avalanches, roadbanks slidding, or cracking and whoomphing in the snowpack. Avoid windward slopes with big, steep and open faces
There are buried surface hoar layers lingering in the snowpack. It's hard to say what's going to wake them up, but attention needs to be paid these layers. Open meadows near treeline at about 4500'-5500' are the perfect place for these layers to live in the snowpack. Because of this, the chances of triggering a slope from the bottom are increased. Use extra caution when approaching a slope from the bottom.
COLD is the word to describe our weather, for the next couple of days. Expect to see some minor disturbances move through. The forecast area may pick up small amounts of snow over the next couple day. Winds shouldn't be to strong but could see some midday upslope and downslope winds as the valley inversions mix.
| 0600 temperature: | 19 deg. F. |
| Max. temperature in the last 24 hours: | 37 deg. F. |
| Average wind direction during the last 24 hours: | SW changing to N |
| Average wind speed during the last 24 hours: | 10 mph |
| Maximum wind gust in the last 24 hours: | 21 mph |
| New snowfall in the last 24 hours: | 8'' inches |
| Total snow depth: | 106 inches |
| Tuesday | Tuesday Night | Wednesday | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weather: | Snow | Snow | Snow / Partly sunny |
| Temperatures: | 17 deg. F. | 8 deg. F. | 25 deg. F. |
| Wind Direction: | N | SW | NW |
| Wind Speed: | 6-8 | 5-9 | 5-7 |
| Expected snowfall: | 1-3'' in. | 1'' in. | >1'' in. |
| Tuesday | Tuesday Night | Wednesday | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weather: | Snow | Snow | Snow |
| Temperatures: | 7 deg. F. | 4 deg. F. | 12 deg. F. |
| Wind Direction: | SW | W | SE |
| Wind Speed: | 8-12 G25 | 11-13 | 12-14 |
| Expected snowfall: | 1-3'' in. | 1-2'' in. | >1'' in. |
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.
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