THIS AVALANCHE ADVISORY EXPIRED ON March 11, 2020 @ 6:52 am
Avalanche Advisory published on March 10, 2020 @ 6:52 am
Issued by Melissa Hendrickson - Idaho Panhandle Avalanche Center

St. Regis Basin/Silver Valley

bottom line

Low danger does not mean no danger! Watch for lingering, small wind slabs on leeward terrain.  When the sun is out, the potential for the southern aspects to heat up enough for loose wet avalanches is a possibility. Be on the lookout for changing snow conditions. 

How to read the advisory

St. Regis Basin/Silver Valley

How to read the advisory

Low danger does not mean no danger! Watch for lingering, small wind slabs on leeward terrain.  When the sun is out, the potential for the southern aspects to heat up enough for loose wet avalanches is a possibility. Be on the lookout for changing snow conditions. 

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

?

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.
Avalanche Problem 1: Wind Slab
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New snow over the weekend created small wind slabs on our leeward slopes. We recieved more snow on the east side of our forecast area, so expect to find larger ones in that direction. Look for hollow, chalky colored snow.  

Avalanche Problem 2: Loose Wet
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As the sun comes out today, watch for those southern aspects to heat up as the temperature rises. If you are sinking past your boot tops into saturated snow or seeing rollerballs and pinwheels, it's time to head to the shadier side. 

recent observations
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We've taken buried persistent weak layer off our list of problems for this morning. This is that buried surface hoar that was located in sheltered northern aspects.  Over the past several days it was tested in multiple locations across our forecast area and found to no longer be reacting in pit tests. You will still see it when you dig down in sheltered norther aspects (a gray streak), but enough time has passed for it to stabilize.  Over the weekend we got just enough snow to refresh the surface.  But the days are getting warmer and longer, so it doesn't take long for those sunny slopes to heat up. And then cool at night and form a sun crust. We have entered breakable crust season for those of us on two planks!  Start working on your timing now of getting in early, skiing the sunny sides when they are perfect, and getting out before the wet slide potential increases.  

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: Increasing Clouds Chance Rain/Snow Chance Rain
Temperatures: 43 deg. F. 34 deg. F. 45 deg. F.
Wind Direction: SW SW W
Wind Speed: 6-13, G21 10 10
Expected snowfall: 0 in. 0 in. 0 in.
For 4000 ft. to 6000 ft.
Tuesday Tuesday Night Wednesday
Weather: Mostly Sunny Chance Snow and Breezy Snow likely and breezy
Temperatures: 30 deg. F. 30 deg. F. 29 and falling deg. F.
Wind Direction: SW SW W
Wind Speed: 9-17, G28 17-20, G30 13-18, G29
Expected snowfall: 0 in. 1 in. 1-2 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.