THIS AVALANCHE ADVISORY EXPIRED ON January 9, 2020 @ 5:42 am
Avalanche Advisory published on January 8, 2020 @ 5:42 am
Issued by Melissa Hendrickson - Idaho Panhandle Avalanche Center

St. Regis Basin/Silver Valley

bottom line

Continued high avalanche danger due to rapid loading with new snow and wind slabs over the buried persistent weak layers. Travel in avalanche terrain not recommended. Expect conditions to stay elevated through mid week.

How to read the advisory

St. Regis Basin/Silver Valley

How to read the advisory

Continued high avalanche danger due to rapid loading with new snow and wind slabs over the buried persistent weak layers. Travel in avalanche terrain not recommended. Expect conditions to stay elevated through mid week.

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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Heavy, rapid snow loading will take time to adjust. Travel in or adjacent to avalanche terrain is not recommended.

Avalanche Problem 2: Wind Slab
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Heavy snow with winds have created sensitive wind slabs and crossloading on all aspects at high elevations. Wind slabs will continue to form through the day.

Avalanche Problem 3: Persistent Slab
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    Certain
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With new loading, expect the persistent weak layers to become more reactive.

recent observations
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We continue to be in high avalanche danger. Plan to stay out of avalanche terrain until we ride out the storm and the snow has time to stabilize. 

Our thoughts and condolences go out to all the family, friends, and rescuers involved in yesterday's avalanche accidents at Silver Mountain. 

Weather and CURRENT CONDITIONS
Two-Day Mountain Weather Forecast Produced in partnership with the Spokane NWS
For 2000 ft. to 4000 ft.
Wednesday Wednesday Night Thursday
Weather: snow Chance snow and patchy freezing fog Chance snow and patchy freezing fog
Temperatures: 36 deg. F. 23 deg. F. 29 deg. F.
Wind Direction: SW SW W
Wind Speed: 13-15 5-8 6
Expected snowfall: <1 in. <1/2 in. 1 in.
For 4000 ft. to 6000 ft.
Wednesday Wednesday Night Thursday
Weather: Heavy snow Snow likely and areas blowing snow Snow likely and patchy blowing snow
Temperatures: 27 deg. F. 16 deg. F. 19 deg. F.
Wind Direction: SW W W
Wind Speed: 31, G49 15-23, G37 13-17
Expected snowfall: 1-3 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.