THIS AVALANCHE ADVISORY EXPIRED ON March 14, 2020 @ 6:53 am
Avalanche Advisory published on March 13, 2020 @ 6:53 am
Issued by Jeff Thompson - Idaho Panhandle Avalanche Center

Selkirks/Cabinets

bottom line

It's been a slow week for weather, but that's about to change! As I'm typing a cold front is moving in. Expect snow surface conditions to change quite a bit in the next 24 hours. NOAA has issued a WINTER STORM WARNING effective 5PM this afternoon to 11 AM Saturday. Expect strong N winds and heavy/blowing snow. Sounds like our Spring teaser is about to end!

How to read the advisory

Selkirks/Cabinets

How to read the advisory

It's been a slow week for weather, but that's about to change! As I'm typing a cold front is moving in. Expect snow surface conditions to change quite a bit in the next 24 hours. NOAA has issued a WINTER STORM WARNING effective 5PM this afternoon to 11 AM Saturday. Expect strong N winds and heavy/blowing snow. Sounds like our Spring teaser is about to end!

2. Moderate

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Above Treeline
Heightened avalanche conditions on specific terrain features. Evaluate snow and terrain carefully; identify features of concern.

2. Moderate

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Near Treeline
Heightened avalanche conditions on specific terrain features. Evaluate snow and terrain carefully; identify features of concern.

1. Low

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Below Treeline
Generally safe avalanche conditions. Watch for unstable snow on isolated terrain features.
    Heightened avalanche conditions on specific terrain features. Evaluate snow and terrain carefully; identify features of concern.
Avalanche Problem 1: Wind Slab
  • Type ?
  • Aspect/Elevation ?
  • Size ?
    Historic
    Very Large
    Large
    Small

A S/SW wind has deposited snow on Leeward slopes over the past week. The new windslabs are sitting on a reactive weak layer. There have been many reports of windslab avalanches recently. Be aware of the possiblity of remote triggers from long distances today. Stiff wind effected snow can transport energy (failures) through the snowpack easily. That mean there's chances of trigger avalanches from flat areas connected to slide paths. Be aware of your surroundings and stay away from runout zones.

Avalanche Problem 2: Storm Slab
  • Type ?
  • Aspect/Elevation ?
  • Size ?
    Historic
    Very Large
    Large
    Small

The thing to think out with this approaching system is the wind. Not only is there going to be plenty of snow for transport but the wind will be coming out of the N. Our prevailing winds are normally from the S/SW so I expect to see some reverse loading and loading in places we don't normally see loading. Winter's not done! conditions are about to get tricky. Keep your head on a swivel and pay attention to the big picture as well as the snow under your feet. 

Weather and CURRENT CONDITIONS
Weather observations from the Region
0600 temperature: 32 deg. F.
Max. temperature in the last 24 hours: 45 deg. F.
Average wind direction during the last 24 hours: SW
Average wind speed during the last 24 hours: 5-8 mph
Maximum wind gust in the last 24 hours: 14 mph
New snowfall in the last 24 hours: Trace inches
Total snow depth: 116 inches
Two-Day Mountain Weather Forecast Produced in partnership with the Spokane NWS
For 2000 ft. to 4000 ft.
Friday Friday Night Saturday
Weather: Snow Snow Snow
Temperatures: 32 / dropping deg. F. 12 deg. F. 23 deg. F.
Wind Direction: NE N N
Wind Speed: 14-26 G 30 30-35 G 49 20-32 G 49
Expected snowfall: >1'' in. 1-3'' in. 1'' in.
For 4000 ft. to 6000 ft.
Friday Friday Night Saturday
Weather: Snow Snow Snow
Temperatures: 22 / dropping deg. F. -4 (Wind chill -27) deg. F. 7 deg. F.
Wind Direction: NE N N
Wind Speed: 20-24 G 30 25-31 G 50 26-32 G 50
Expected snowfall: 3-7'' in. 6-10'' in. 1-3'' 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.