THIS AVALANCHE ADVISORY EXPIRED ON March 7, 2020 @ 6:04 am
Avalanche Advisory published on March 6, 2020 @ 6:04 am
Issued by Melissa Hendrickson - Idaho Panhandle Avalanche Center

St. Regis Basin/Silver Valley

bottom line

The persistent weak layer is gaining strength, but still check its stability in your location. It's buried about a foot deep on sheltered northern aspects. Watch for new wind slabs and storm slabs as new snow rolls in on Friday night through Saturday.  

How to read the advisory

St. Regis Basin/Silver Valley

How to read the advisory

The persistent weak layer is gaining strength, but still check its stability in your location. It's buried about a foot deep on sheltered northern aspects. Watch for new wind slabs and storm slabs as new snow rolls in on Friday night through Saturday.  

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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We have lingering wind slabs on our ridges. Expect this danger to rise as we get more snow on Friday night and into Saturday. Watch for chalky colored snow or pillows that sound hollow.  

Avalanche Problem 2: Persistent Slab
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The buried persistent weak layer is getting more and more stubborn as time goes on. Still make sure to check your location for its reactivity.  It's buried about a foot deep on our colder, protected aspects. If you dig down and find a gray line in the snow, that is it. Check and see how it is bonding.  Guilty until proven innocent. 

recent observations
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The buried persistent weak layer is approaching broken record territory!  Yesterday we found it to be more stable in pit tests on Mullan Ridge, but it is still popping enough for me to be leery of it.  Looks like tonight we will have a refresh of snow, so should make all aspects more acceptable to ride again and this problem will be easily mitigated.  We found stubborn wind slabs yesterday, but I expect them to get more sensitive as the weekend rolls on. Expect to find small sensitive storm slabs if the snow accumulation rolls in like it is supposed to.  With up to 10 inches at the highest elevations, we will have new snow to create new avalanche problems.

 

Weather and CURRENT CONDITIONS
Two-Day Mountain Weather Forecast Produced in partnership with the Spokane NWS
For 2000 ft. to 4000 ft.
Friday Friday Night Saturday
Weather: Chance Rain/Snow then Chance Rain Snow line 4000 Rain then Rain/Snow Snow line 3800 Rain/Snow
Temperatures: 46 deg. F. 33 deg. F. 38 deg. F.
Wind Direction: S E SW
Wind Speed: 5-7 5 5-10
Expected snowfall: 0 in. <.5 in. <.5 in.
For 4000 ft. to 6000 ft.
Friday Friday Night Saturday
Weather: Chance Snow then Snow Snow Snow
Temperatures: 35 deg. F. 28 deg. F. 30 deg. F.
Wind Direction: SW W W
Wind Speed: 7-11 6 8-10
Expected snowfall: <1 in. 3-5 in. 3-5 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.