Use this page to view archived advisories. The table below shows the overall danger rating and the bottom line for the 20 most recent advisories. Click on the time and date link above each danger rating icon to view the full advisory for that day. Use the date chooser or the pager at the bottom to scroll through the older advisories.

E.g., Saturday, September 23, 2023
E.g., Saturday, September 23, 2023
E.g., Saturday, September 23, 2023
Date the advisory was published:sort ascending
Click here to see the full advisory for 2018-01-25
January 25, 2018 at 7:10

Over the past 24 hours the mountains have received a generous amount of snow.  Westerly winds, stronger to the north, have been loading new snow.  Temperatures also rose to near or above freezing creating a heavier layer of snow overlying a less dense layer.  This is the primary weak layer of concern, heavy new snow over lighter snow, and was found to be very weak yesterday.  Windloaded new snow could be a concern today.  Travel in avalanche terrain not recommended.

Advisory
Click here to see the full advisory for 2018-01-23
January 23, 2018 at 6:56

Snowpack conditions are variable across the advisory region.  Heightened avalanche conditions exist on specific terrain features and require careful evaluation.  Observations of instabilities around the region include: buried surface hoar, windslabs, buried ice crusts with facets, and in some locations still the deep persistent weak layer. Slope specific evaluation is needed before skiing or riding. 

Advisory
Click here to see the full advisory for 2018-01-23
January 23, 2018 at 6:38

The buried surface hoar layers that has kept us at an elevated avalanche danger rating is still alive and well. Don't let your guard down...in fact, we might see an increase in danger as this next storm arrives and puts a bigger a load on top of the weak layers.  The storm that has arrives looks to strong with the likelyhood of producing up to 2' of snow at upper elevations by Friday. Stay tuned...We'll keep you updated.

Advisory
Click here to see the full advisory for 2018-01-23
January 23, 2018 at 6:38

The buried surface hoar layers that has kept us at an elevated avalanche danger rating is still alive and well. Don't let your guard down...in fact, we might see an increase in danger as this next storm arrives and puts a bigger a load on top of the weak layers.  The storm that has arrives looks to strong with the likelyhood of producing up to 2' of snow at upper elevations by Friday. Stay tuned...We'll keep you updated.

Advisory
Click here to see the full advisory for 2018-01-19
January 19, 2018 at 5:52

Due to strong southwesterly winds and moist snow we have thick, sensitive wind slabs lurking on leeward terrain features and fresh storm snow above 5,000'.  Avoid committing to steep slopes directly below ridge lines on north and east aspects.  Approach any slope over 35° with strong caution in terrain above 5,000'.

Advisory
Click here to see the full advisory for 2018-01-18
January 18, 2018 at 20:58

Significant windloading and recent snowfall from yesterday mornings storm has formed deep windslabs near ridgetops on N, NE, and E aspects near 6000 foot range.  This has increased the load on buried surface hoar about 2 feet down (deeper in windloaded areas).  With the recent snowfall and warmer temperatures yesterday wind slab avalanches will become more reactive to human triggers.  Cautious route finding is key in our current snowpack state.   

Advisory
Click here to see the full advisory for 2018-01-18
January 18, 2018 at 20:58

Significant windloading and recent snowfall from yesterday mornings storm has formed deep windslabs near ridgetops on N, NE, and E aspects near 6000 foot range.  This has increased the load on buried surface hoar about 2 feet down (deeper in windloaded areas).  With the recent snowfall and warmer temperatures yesterday wind slab avalanches will become more reactive to human triggers.  Cautious route finding is key in our current snowpack state.   

Advisory
Click here to see the full advisory for 2018-01-16
January 16, 2018 at 6:11

Even though the northern panhandle hasn't see snow in a couple days don't get tricked into thinking the snowpack is healed! The problem layers under the surface are alive and well... just waiting for the right trigger. Keep your guard up- Dangerous avalanche conditions still exist! Thank you everyone for the awesome observations recently! They've been really helpful!

Advisory
Click here to see the full advisory for 2018-01-16
January 16, 2018 at 5:01

The upper elevations above tree-line are still harboring a dense slab of snow from the last storm cycle.   Stability tests are showing that the snowpack is strengthening; but, large open slopes and wind loaded terrain should be approached with caution.  

Advisory
Click here to see the full advisory for 2018-01-16
January 16, 2018 at 4:43

The upper above tree-line elevations are still holding storm slabs from the last storm cycle.  Stability tests are showing that the snowpack is strengthening; but careful snowpack evaluation and cautious route finding are required in the high country. 

Advisory
Click here to see the full advisory for 2018-01-12
January 12, 2018 at 6:22

The recent storm has left more than 2 feet of snow in most locations. The new snow fell on top of a couple weak layer resulting in dangerous avalanche conditions.  Travel is not recommended in avalanche terrain.  Storm slabs are usually the weakest in the 24-48 hours after a storm. Yesterday, we found the storm slab was not bonding well to the old snow underneath.  Thank you to Schweitzer Mountain for sponsoring our forecast today! 

Advisory
Click here to see the full advisory for 2018-01-12
January 12, 2018 at 6:22

The recent storm has left more than 2 feet of snow in most locations. The new snow fell on top of a couple weak layer resulting in dangerous avalanche conditions.  Travel is not recommended in avalanche terrain.  Storm slabs are usually the weakest in the 24-48 hours after a storm. Yesterday, we found the storm slab was not bonding well to the old snow underneath.  Thank you to Schweitzer Mountain for sponsoring our forecast today! 

Advisory
Click here to see the full advisory for 2018-01-12
January 12, 2018 at 6:22

The recent storm has left more than 2 feet of snow in most locations. The new snow fell on top of a couple weak layer resulting in dangerous avalanche conditions.  Travel is not recommended in avalanche terrain.  Storm slabs are usually the weakest in the 24-48 hours after a storm. Yesterday, we found the storm slab was not bonding well to the old snow underneath.  Thank you to Schweitzer Mountain for sponsoring our forecast today! 

Advisory
Click here to see the full advisory for 2018-01-12
January 12, 2018 at 16:10

New snow, strong winds and multiple weak layers have created dangerous avalanche conditions at upper elevations.  Now is an easy time to make smart decisions, stay on low angle terrain and give steep slopes a wide berth. This new snow and wind slab will need time to come together.  Strong caution is advised on all terrain above 5,000'.

Advisory
Click here to see the full advisory for 2018-01-11
January 11, 2018 at 18:42

New snow, strong winds and multiple weak layers have created dangerous avalanche conditions at upper elevations.  Now is an easy time to make smart decisions, stay on low angle terrain and give steep slopes a wide berth. This new snow and wind slab will need time to come together.  Strong caution is advised on all terrain above 5,000'.

Advisory
Click here to see the full advisory for 2018-01-09
January 9, 2018 at 6:41

Most of the forecast region received rain over the past couple days.  The rain in most areas has frozen into a firm crust on or near the surface.  Once that crust gets more snow on it, it could be problematic. Rain crusts can make nice sliding surfaces. Let's hope the next storm comes in wet and turns dry. Wet snow will have a much better chance of sticking to that rain crust then a dry slab would. 

Advisory
Click here to see the full advisory for 2018-01-09
January 9, 2018 at 6:41

Most of the forecast region received rain over the past couple days.  The rain in most areas has frozen into a firm crust on or near the surface.  Once that crust gets more snow on it, it could be problematic. Rain crusts can make nice sliding surfaces. Let's hope the next storm comes in wet and turns dry. Wet snow will have a much better chance of sticking to that rain crust then a dry slab would. 

Advisory
Click here to see the full advisory for 2018-01-09
January 9, 2018 at 5:13

Heavy mountian snows and high winds are forecast for the coming week.  This will further bury a layer of weak surface hoar and create touchy slab conditions.  Expect this slab to thicken and become more dangerous as the week progresses!

Advisory
Click here to see the full advisory for 2018-01-05
January 5, 2018 at 6:58

The lack of snow over the past week has given the layers of snow near the surface (storm slabs) a chance to strengthen. Don't let your guard down though...There are still 2 layers deep in the snowpack that can be woken up if triggered.  Even though the snowpack is healing, it's still quietly near a tipping point.  Don't get tempted to test mother nature right now.  Keep a conservative approach to your terrain selection and keep your group in sight. 

Advisory
Click here to see the full advisory for 2018-01-05
January 5, 2018 at 6:48

This week has seen clear skies and gradual improvement in stability with another cycle of surface hoar development on the denser layer from the 12/30 storm (note: first hand inspection, this is not a full on rain crust).  All the new loading of the past two weeks has buried the persistent layer under 2 to 3 feet of snow and even deeper in windloaded areas. Be cautious of this layer as a slide of this depth would be catastrophic.  

Advisory
Click here to see the full advisory for 2018-01-05
January 5, 2018 at 5:14

The Kootenai snowpack is becoming progressively stronger with moderate temperatures.  Stay safe this weekend by practicing safe travel habits such as commiting one rider to a slope at a time, watching your parters and parking in safe locations where you will be an asset rather than a victim if your partners triggers a slide.

Advisory
Click here to see the full advisory for 2018-01-02
January 2, 2018 at 7:00

The snowpack went through the ringer over the holiday weekend, recieving up to 2ft+ of snow and then some rain/mixed precipitation on top of that.  Even though the snowpack is starting to heal and get stronger, there are multiple persistent weak layers that can be triggered causing an avalanche.  Be conservatice in your decision making and route finding, dangerous avalanche conditions still exist but are slowly strengthening. 

Advisory
Click here to see the full advisory for 2018-01-02
January 2, 2018 at 5:48

The snowpack is beginning to heal after a to 2+ ft. deposit of snow across the region last week. Even though the snowpack is getting stronger, there are still multiple persistent weak layers that can be easily triggered causing avalanches.  Be conservative in your decision making and route finding. There's plenty of good snowmobiling and skiing to be had out there if you choose your terrain appropriately.  Dangerous avalanche conditions still exist but are slowly strengthening day by day. 

Advisory
Click here to see the full advisory for 2018-01-02
January 2, 2018 at 5:26

Heightened avalanche conditions exist at the upper elevations due to wind slabs from last weekends storm.  At lower elevations multiple slab layers persist but are proving to be less reactive in stability tests.  Stay safe by practicing safe travel habits as these more stubborn slabs can lull one into complacency by reinforcing bad habits and a false sense of security.

Advisory
Click here to see the full advisory for 2017-12-29
December 29, 2017 at 6:49

Heavy snowfall has been and is currently falling and will continue throught the advisory period with snowfall rates up to an inch an hour.  Avalanche activity is expected to increase during the advisory period.  Storm slabs can be triggered easily by skiers.  Windloading has occured on the SE - N aspects, with extensive windslabs and cornices observed at the higher elevations. Careful snowpack evaluation, cautious route-finding and conservative decision making are essential in the backcountry today. 

Advisory
Click here to see the full advisory for 2017-12-29
December 29, 2017 at 5:41

A winter storm has been dropping steady snow for the last 24 hours and is expected to clobber the mountains of NW Montana Friday night and into Saturday.  Expect the potential for natural and human triggered avalanches to rise throughout the weekend as more snow and wind pour into the area.  Stick to lower angle terrain and ridgelines until this new snow has had time to settle and bond.  Remember rapid changes in weather cause rapid changes in snow stability.

Advisory
Click here to see the full advisory for 2017-12-28
December 28, 2017 at 20:55

Red flags are evident with increasing and recent snowfall moderate to heavy, breezy and gusty winds, observed whumphing.  With the continued precipitation and warming temperatures expect more weight and strain our persistent weak layers 2-3 feet down in the snowpack.  Expect to see some natural avalanche activity and whumphing and cracking the next few days until things settle.  

Advisory
Click here to see the full advisory for 2017-12-27
December 27, 2017 at 6:11

The snowpack and its weak layers are gaining strength but still have the potential to fail and create large avalanches due to the thicknesses of this layer and the weak, sugary snow below it. 

Advisory
Click here to see the full advisory for 2017-12-26
December 26, 2017 at 7:00

The cold temperatures over the Holiday Weekend didn't help the snowpack stabilize much; there is still a likelyhood of triggereing a persistent slab avalanche. Carefully assess the snowpack and allow for a large margin of error when choosing terrain.  New snow is expected tonight and tomorrow which will continue to stress the weak layers. Look for clues from the snowpack, shooting cracks, and localized collapsing.  

Advisory
Click here to see the full advisory for 2017-12-26
December 26, 2017 at 7:00

The cold temperatures over the Holiday Weekend didn't help the snowpack stabilize much; there is still a likelyhood of triggereing a persistent slab avalanche. Carefully assess the snowpack and allow for a large margin of error when choosing terrain.  New snow is expected tonight and tomorrow which will continue to stress the weak layers. Look for clues from the snowpack, shooting cracks, and localized collapsing.  

Advisory
Click here to see the full advisory for 2017-12-26
December 26, 2017 at 7:00

The cold temperatures over the Holiday Weekend didn't help the snowpack stabilize much; there is still a likelyhood of triggereing a persistent slab avalanche. Carefully assess the snowpack and allow for a large margin of error when choosing terrain.  New snow is expected tonight and tomorrow which will continue to stress the weak layers. Look for clues from the snowpack, shooting cracks, and localized collapsing.  

Advisory
Click here to see the full advisory for 2017-12-26
December 26, 2017 at 17:49

The snowpack and its weak layers are gaining strength but still have the potential to fail and create large avalanches due to the thicknesses of this layer and the weak, sugary snow below it.  Keep in mind that most avalanche accidents occur on days when the hazard rating is considerable or moderate.

Advisory
Click here to see the full advisory for 2017-12-22
December 22, 2017 at 7:12

Steady snow accumulation has been the rule for the past week but the 36 hour dump from Sunday night to Wednesday is what tipped the scales.  We have two feet of unstable snowpack on top of the Thanksgiving crust and the most sensitive layer is within the 36 hour storm snow.  You'll find it about 1.5 feet deep in soft new snow.  It will take a little longer to become stable, especially in steep terrain.

Advisory
Click here to see the full advisory for 2017-12-22
December 22, 2017 at 6:49

This weeks storms dumped 25 to 30 inches of snow, now burying the surface hoar and faceting that had developed on top of the Thanksgiving crust.  This is providing an unstable layer underneath all this new white that is a potential trigger point for avalanches on slopes >30.  This persistent weak layer will continue to be sensitive to triggers. Careful route finidng and conservative decision-making are essential for backcountry travel today.

Advisory
Click here to see the full advisory for 2017-12-21
December 21, 2017 at 17:13

Steady snow accumulation has been the rule for the past week but the 36 hour dump from Sunday night to Wednesday is what tipped the scales.  We have two feet of unstable snowpack on top of the Thanksgiving crust and the most sensitive layer is within the 36 hour storm snow.  You'll find it about 1.5 feet deep in soft new snow.  It will take a little longer to become stable, especially in steep terrain.

Advisory
Click here to see the full advisory for 2017-12-19
December 19, 2017 at 6:51

Heavy snowfall has been and is currently falling on our weak snowpack and will continue through the advisory period with snowfall rates up to 1" to 2" an hour. Avalanche activity is expected to increase during the advisory period.  Windloading has occurred from the N-SE aspects, with extensive windslabs observed at the higher elevations.  Careful snowpack evaluation, cautious route-finding and conservative decision making are essential in the backcountry today. 

Advisory
Click here to see the full advisory for 2017-12-19
December 19, 2017 at 6:17

A major winter storm has arrived and is dropping a large amount of snow on a very weak snowpack. Expect to see wide spread avalanche activity in the backcountry for the next 24 hours. We could see snow today falling at a rate of 1-2'' an hour with totals approaching a meter in higher elevations.  Careful snowpack evaluation, cautious route finding and conservative decision making will be essential.  Human triggered avalanches are likely on slopes above 30 degrees. 

Advisory
Click here to see the full advisory for 2017-12-15
December 15, 2017 at 6:32

We have received only a trace of snow this week with contnued cold weather, with more surface faceting and isolated areas of large surface hoar buildup in frost pockets sheltered from the sun and wind. The avalanche danger is rated LOW on all slopes with generally safe riding conditions other than the thin snowpack with many obstacles.   HOWEVER......Heads up through the weekend with snow on the way covering weak facets and surface hoar abroad!

Advisory
Click here to see the full advisory for 2017-12-15
December 15, 2017 at 6:32

We have received only a trace of snow this week with contnued cold weather, with more surface faceting and isolated areas of large surface hoar buildup in frost pockets sheltered from the sun and wind. The avalanche danger is rated LOW on all slopes with generally safe riding conditions other than the thin snowpack with many obstacles.   HOWEVER......Heads up through the weekend with snow on the way covering weak facets and surface hoar abroad!

Advisory
Click here to see the full advisory for 2017-12-12
December 12, 2017 at 7:19

The snow trends in the mountains are currently being driven by the inversion.  Large surface hoar was found on all aspects below 5100' , with smaller hoar found at higher elevations.  Near surface faceting found on all aspects. The pack hasn't changed much since Thursday with some melt freeze crusts forming on the southern aspects at higher elevations.  

Advisory
Click here to see the full advisory for 2017-12-12
December 12, 2017 at 6:31

Not a lot has changed with the weather or snowpack since the last advisory. The good news is... most area have a firm base of snow to help limit the amount of basal rotting that's typical during long spells of high pressure. The bad news is... the upper portion of the pack has 2 distinct weak layers and is not supportive enough to receive more snow on top of it.

Advisory
Click here to see the full advisory for 2017-12-08
December 8, 2017 at 11:15

With not much snow recently or much in the future, the forecast area will remain at a LOW danger rating. The biggest area of concern would be above treeline on steep slopes. Loose snow avalanches are possible in isolated areas.

Advisory
Click here to see the full advisory for 2017-12-08
December 8, 2017 at 6:51

Rain and warm temperatures over Thanksgiving had a toll on the depth of our snowpack. The newer snow is fairly well bonded to the Thanksgiving crust, but small windloaded pockets were observed on all aspectsSurface hoar and near surface faceting was also observed.  Looking ahead at the weather forecast, no new precipitation is expected for a while and daytime highs over the weekend could form sun crusts.

Advisory
Click here to see the full advisory for 2017-12-08
December 8, 2017 at 6:16

It's been at least 2 weeks since the Cabinet or Selkirk mountians have seen any new snowfall. The recent high presusure and colder temperatures have started to break down the snowpack (near surface faceting). In most areas the snowpack can be summed up in 2 parts. The bottom half of the pack is old firm frozen snow and the upper portions of the pack is light unconsolidated snow. In it's current state the snowpack doesn't present much avalanche danger. 

Advisory
Click here to see the full advisory for 2017-12-08
December 8, 2017 at 6:16

It's been at least 2 weeks since the Cabinet or Selkirk mountians have seen any new snowfall. The recent high presusure and colder temperatures have started to break down the snowpack (near surface faceting). In most areas the snowpack can be summed up in 2 parts. The bottom half of the pack is old firm frozen snow and the upper portions of the pack is light unconsolidated snow. In it's current state the snowpack doesn't present much avalanche danger. 

Advisory
Click here to see the full advisory for 2017-11-17
November 17, 2017 at 11:58

Kootenai Avalanche advisorie will begin December 1st, 2017.  We are transitioning our forecast location to the Idaho Panhandle Avalanche Center. This will cover the East and West Cabinets and the Purcell Range of the Yaak.  The Ten Lakes area east of Eureka will be covered by the Flathead Avalanche Center @ http://www.flatheadavalanche.org/

For questions regarding these changes please contact Ben Bernall @ bbernall@fs.fed.us or call 295-4693.

 

Advisory
Click here to see the full advisory for 2017-11-16
November 16, 2017 at 8:32

Avalanche advisories will be posted for the Kootenai National Forest begining December 1st, 2017.  Advisories will be posted on Tuesday and Friday mornings.

The Kootenai advisories will now be posted at http://www.idahopanhandleavalanche.org 

For backcountry users riding in the Ten Lakes area near Eureka condition reports may now be found on the Flathead Avalanche Center website.  http://www.flatheadavalanche.org/

Advisory
Click here to see the full advisory for 2017-11-01
November 1, 2017 at 10:48

The NWS has issued a Winter Storm Watch for the northern portion of the Idaho Panhandle.  Expect a cold front to bring heavy snowfall from Wednesday evening through Friday morning.  Avalanche hazards could exist in high elevation avalanche start zones, especially on northerly aspects.  

Advisory
Click here to see the full advisory for 2017-11-01
November 1, 2017 at 10:48

The NWS has issued a Winter Storm Watch for the northern portion of the Idaho Panhandle.  Expect a cold front to bring heavy snowfall from Wednesday evening through Friday morning.  Avalanche hazards could exist in high elevation avalanche start zones, especially on northerly aspects.  

Advisory
Click here to see the full advisory for 2017-04-25
April 25, 2017 at 10:28

Thank you to everyone who helped IPAC withour mission to provide avalanche education and post weekly avalanche advisories for the public.  This year was one to remember with many great days in the mountains.  There are still good times to be had so check out the Education page for Spring Touring/Riding Tips.  Cheers!

Advisory
Click here to see the full advisory for 2017-04-25
April 25, 2017 at 10:28

Thank you to everyone who helped IPAC withour mission to provide avalanche education and post weekly avalanche advisories for the public.  This year was one to remember with many great days in the mountains.  There are still good times to be had so check out the Education page for Spring Touring/Riding Tips.  Cheers!

Advisory
Click here to see the full advisory for 2017-04-14
April 14, 2017 at 7:59

 This will be the last advisory of the season. Check out our Facebook site later this afternoon for some spring snow tips! Thanks for following us this season and look forward to bringing you all more avalanche information next winter. Have a good summer!

Advisory
Click here to see the full advisory for 2017-04-14
April 14, 2017 at 7:59

 This will be the last advisory of the season. Check out our Facebook site later this afternoon for some spring snow tips! Thanks for following us this season and look forward to bringing you all more avalanche information next winter. Have a good summer!

Advisory
Click here to see the full advisory for 2017-04-11
April 11, 2017 at 14:04

I hope you're all out enjoying the sunshine! The avalanche danger is on the rise while the sun is out. With these warm temperatures and solar radiation be aware of the possibility of wet avalanches.  Solar aspects will be the most likely spot to find unstable snow. 

Advisory
Click here to see the full advisory for 2017-04-11
April 11, 2017 at 13:55

With todays sun and warm temperatures the avalanche danger is on the rise. Be aware of wet / loose avalanche activity, especially on solar aspects. Enjoy the sunshine!

Advisory
Click here to see the full advisory for 2017-04-07
April 7, 2017 at 7:34

The supportive crust near the surface of the snowpack is breaking down quickly with the warm temperatures and rain. The rain percolating through the snowpack will break down some of the strength. Expect to see unsupportable snow in the backcountry. Human triggered avalanches are still unlikely but possible. Natural avalanches are a possibility especially on steep slopes with a smooth bed surface. Safe travels!

Advisory
Click here to see the full advisory for 2017-04-07
April 7, 2017 at 7:23

The rain and warm temperatures have made an effect on the snowpack. Yesterday in the Cabinet mountains, we found the supportive crust near the surface layer mostly gone.  Skier and snowmobiler triggered slides are unlikely but natural wet slides are possible. We did see a wet slide (D2) yesterday that covered the Tressle ck. road. The more unsupportable the snow the greater chance of seeing some avalanche activity.

 

Advisory
Click here to see the full advisory for 2017-04-05
April 5, 2017 at 8:20

I was sure nice to see the sunshine yesterday! I dug a snowpit yesterday north of Schweitzer mountain in the Selkirks (6200ft). There is 30-40cm crust near the surface that is very supportive. I don't see the avalanche danger increasing until that thick crust gets broken down. Rain and warm temperatures might try to break down the crust layer but my feeling is that overnight temperatures will be cold enough to keep it intact for the extent of this forecast.

Advisory
Click here to see the full advisory for 2017-04-05
April 5, 2017 at 8:20

I was sure nice to see the sunshine yesterday! I dug a snowpit yesterday north of Schweitzer mountain in the Selkirks (6200ft). There is 30-40cm crust near the surface that is very supportive. I don't see the avalanche danger increasing until that thick crust gets broken down. Rain and warm temperatures might try to break down the crust layer but my feeling is that overnight temperatures will be cold enough to keep it intact for the extent of this forecast.

Advisory
Click here to see the full advisory for 2017-03-31
March 31, 2017 at 7:22

The snowpack has gone isothermic. That means the temperature outside will be a good indicator for figuring out the avalanche danger. Right now freezing temperatures over night are keeping the avalanche danger low. An increase in temperature could increase instabilities. For now, enjoy the spring riding!

Advisory
Click here to see the full advisory for 2017-03-31
March 31, 2017 at 7:22

The snowpack has gone isothermic. That means the temperature outside will be a good indicator for figuring out the avalanche danger. Right now freezing temperatures over night are keeping the avalanche danger low. An increase in temperature could increase instabilities. For now, enjoy the spring riding!

Advisory
Click here to see the full advisory for 2017-03-31
March 31, 2017 at 7:05

Welcome to Spring! The snowpack in the Selkirks and Cabinets has gone isothermic. If we see an increase in temperature there could be an increased avalanche danger but right now overnight temperatures are cold enough to keep snow from moving.

Advisory
Click here to see the full advisory for 2017-03-28
March 28, 2017 at 17:24

Temperatures are on the warm side and new snow is accumulating with westerly winds.  Watch wind loading on lee aspects.  Weak layers may form as changes in density new snow.  The pack may be getting a little rotten and that increases your chances of setting off loose wet sloughs. 

Advisory
Click here to see the full advisory for 2017-03-28
March 28, 2017 at 17:05

With no major concerns for weak layers in the existing pack the thing to watch is the accumulation of new snow and wind.  The mountains have received about 3 inches of new snow in the last 24 hours and winds have loaded lee aspects more deeply.  Look for weak layers between changes in density.  More snow and wind forecast for tomorrow.

Advisory
Click here to see the full advisory for 2017-03-24
March 24, 2017 at 7:38

Currently Crust on Surface with warming temps and snow today which could lead to loose wet slides on steeper terrain over 32 degrees on all aspects.  Avalanche hazard is being held in check by the melt/freeze conditions from the last few days and nights.  The pack is isothermal and there are no serious lingering weak layers in the upper 3 feet above the thick crust.  New snow and warming temperatures will be your main concern later today and this weekend.

Advisory
Click here to see the full advisory for 2017-03-24
March 24, 2017 at 7:08

Avalanche hazard is being held in check by the melt/freeze conditions from the last few days and nights.  The pack is isothermal and there are no serious lingering weak layers in the upper 3 feet above the thick crust.  New snow and warming temperatures will be your main concern later today and this weekend.

Advisory
Click here to see the full advisory for 2017-03-22
March 22, 2017 at 9:24
Advisory
Click here to see the full advisory for 2017-03-22
March 22, 2017 at 9:24
Advisory
Click here to see the full advisory for 2017-03-17
March 17, 2017 at 7:53

Mid 20 temperatures at night have helped the avalanche danger. The snow pack is just barely seeing cold enough nights to keep it in place. Look for a weaker snow pack to develop quickly when temps warm up.  

Advisory
Click here to see the full advisory for 2017-03-17
March 17, 2017 at 7:37

Even though we've seen a lot of rain in the snow pack at 6000', temperatures at night have been cold enough to keep the upper portions of the pack mostly frozen. Rain has percolated through the pack about 60-90cm down.  Temperatures in the mid 20's at night are helping keep the snow pack locked in place. If temps. warm up it could quickly become a different story. 

Advisory
Click here to see the full advisory for 2017-03-14
March 14, 2017 at 20:22
Advisory
Click here to see the full advisory for 2017-03-14
March 14, 2017 at 20:22
Advisory
Click here to see the full advisory for 2017-03-10
March 10, 2017 at 7:20

Melissa and MIiles found about 110cm of new snow since the rain 3 weeks ago. So far, it has all landed right side up and settling. Snowfall yesterday was already beginning to get denser as they were headed out.  Concerns are windslabs in the N-NE-E aspects near and above treeline and the recent storm slabs.  

Advisory
Click here to see the full advisory for 2017-03-10
March 10, 2017 at 7:02

We've received about 1 foot of snow on the level since last week and steady westerly winds have piled it up even deeper on lee aspects.  Warming temperatures with the most recent accumulation of several inches last night will have created an unstable situation at the surface, particularly in those wind-loaded areas.  Touching off a small slab in steep terrain could step down to lower layers.  

Advisory
Click here to see the full advisory for 2017-03-07
March 7, 2017 at 13:18

MODERATE avalanche danger today for mid and upper elevations for the entire forecast region with isolated areas of considerable in steep exposed terrain near ridgetops on windloaded aspects N, NE, E.  With increase in wind, snow and temperatures watch for heavier snow on lighter snow in the upcoming storms producing 1.5 feet of new storm snow weak layers.

Advisory
Click here to see the full advisory for 2017-03-07
March 7, 2017 at 13:18

MODERATE avalanche danger today for mid and upper elevations for the entire forecast region with isolated areas of considerable in steep exposed terrain near ridgetops on windloaded aspects N, NE, E.  With increase in wind, snow and temperatures watch for heavier snow on lighter snow in the upcoming storms producing 1.5 feet of new storm snow weak layers.

Advisory
Click here to see the full advisory for 2017-03-03
March 3, 2017 at 11:32

In the Bitteroots near Lookout Pass we have 3 feet recent storm snow which has a decent bond to the 8 inch icecrust from 3 weeks ago with some instability within the top 3 feet of storm snow due minor snow density changes between these storms.  Things are starting to consolidate.  The upper few inches of snow have some wind affect in most areas with more on steep exposed upper elevations.  

Advisory
Click here to see the full advisory for 2017-03-03
March 3, 2017 at 11:32

In the Bitteroots near Lookout Pass we have 3 feet recent storm snow which has a decent bond to the 8 inch icecrust from 3 weeks ago with some instability within the top 3 feet of storm snow due minor snow density changes between these storms.  Things are starting to consolidate.  The upper few inches of snow have some wind affect in most areas with more on steep exposed upper elevations.  

Advisory
Click here to see the full advisory for 2017-03-03
March 3, 2017 at 7:00

In the Cabinet Mountains near Lunch peak we found 9 feet of snow with calm winds and below freezing temperatures.  Above the thick icecrust formed 3 weeks ago, we have received 3 feet of low density fluff with the top 3 inches starting to slab up from the recent winds since Wednesday.  

Advisory
Click here to see the full advisory for 2017-02-06
February 6, 2017 at 15:50

High avalanche danger exists across the forecast area. Travel in avalanche terrain is not recommended.  Stay  off slopes steeper than 30 degrees above the 4,000 foot elevation.  

 

Advisory
Click here to see the full advisory for 2017-02-06
February 6, 2017 at 15:50

High avalanche danger exists across the forecast area. Travel in avalanche terrain is not recommended.  Stay  off slopes steeper than 30 degrees above the 4,000 foot elevation.  

 

Advisory

Pages