THIS AVALANCHE ADVISORY EXPIRED ON March 4, 2020 @ 6:46 am
Avalanche Advisory published on March 3, 2020 @ 6:46 am
Issued by Melissa Hendrickson - Idaho Panhandle Avalanche Center

St. Regis Basin/Silver Valley

bottom line

Winter is back again and so is fresh snow. The new snow has fallen on a variety of surfaces, so be sure to check your location. Watch for small wind slabs on leeward slopes that will be sensitive to human triggers. On the northern, protected aspects, the buried surface hoar is still located in isolated pockets, check your location before you commit to bigger terrain. 

How to read the advisory

St. Regis Basin/Silver Valley

How to read the advisory

Winter is back again and so is fresh snow. The new snow has fallen on a variety of surfaces, so be sure to check your location. Watch for small wind slabs on leeward slopes that will be sensitive to human triggers. On the northern, protected aspects, the buried surface hoar is still located in isolated pockets, check your location before you commit to bigger terrain. 

2. Moderate

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

1. Low

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Near Treeline
Generally safe avalanche conditions. Watch for unstable snow on isolated terrain features.

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
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Cold, light density snow will be easily transported to form small wind slabs. Watch for chalky colored snow that is hollow sounding.  This danger will increase as we get small shots of snow coming in midweek.  

Avalanche Problem 2: Persistent Slab
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We are still finding intact buried surface hoar a couple mm in size on the sheltered northern aspects. This is a low probability, high consequence problem that is easy to mitigate for. Make sure to check your location, it's about a foot down at the higher elevations.  The likely spots to find this are very steep openings or convex rollovers in large well spaced timber. Dig a pit and look for gray lines in the snow and make sure to test it well before you commit to bigger terrain. 

recent observations
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While the main two avalanche problems are easy to mitigate for, it has also meant that most of the good sliding and riding has been off the table.  Sunday we were able to find some good, low angle powder on a northern aspect that rode really well, but the persistent weak layer made us leary of the steeps. It is getting more stable and gaining strength with time, but not enough for me to step out yet.  We'll be paying close attention to this layer for at least another forecast cycle.  The other aspects, while stable, haven't been as pleasant riding after last Friday's warm spell.  A little shot of snow here and there as forecasted will help this satisfaction problem immensly.  Winter isn't over yet, so don't give up and start doing yard work! 

Happy March, which means for me at least two more solid months of great skiing. It also means I really need to stop procrastinating on installing the scratchers on my snowmobile!  For those of you as winter determined as I am, it isn't too late to take your Level 1 avalanche class this winter. We still have spots avaliable in the non-motorized class starting on Thursday evening. Details under the education tab.  

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: Partly Sunny Chance Rain Chance Rain/Snow and Breezy then Slight chance Rain
Temperatures: 46 deg. F. 35 deg. F. 42 deg. F.
Wind Direction: SW SW W
Wind Speed: 9-11 13-15, G24 15-22, G34
Expected snowfall: 0 in. <.5 in. <.5 in.
For 4000 ft. to 6000 ft.
Tuesday Tuesday Night Wednesday
Weather: Chance Snow and Breezy Snow and Breezy Breezy Snow then Chance Snow
Temperatures: 32 deg. F. 25 deg. F. 29 deg. F.
Wind Direction: W SW W
Wind Speed: 16-18, G29 15-22, G36 21-23, G36
Expected snowfall: <.5 in. 1-2 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.