THIS AVALANCHE ADVISORY EXPIRED ON January 29, 2020 @ 6:23 am
Avalanche Advisory published on January 28, 2020 @ 6:23 am
Issued by Jeff Thompson - Idaho Panhandle Avalanche Center

Selkirks/Cabinets

bottom line

The Selkirks and Cabinet mountains continue to be in an active weather pattern. Another period of unsettled weather will begin today and carry through the weekend. The avalanche danger will increase as the new snow arrives. Always assume the new snow will increase the avalanche danger. New snow usually takes a couple days after a big snow, to adjust to the old snow . I'd expect the avalanche danger to trend up over the next 48 hours.

How to read the advisory

Selkirks/Cabinets

How to read the advisory

The Selkirks and Cabinet mountains continue to be in an active weather pattern. Another period of unsettled weather will begin today and carry through the weekend. The avalanche danger will increase as the new snow arrives. Always assume the new snow will increase the avalanche danger. New snow usually takes a couple days after a big snow, to adjust to the old snow . I'd expect the avalanche danger to trend up over the next 48 hours.

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: Storm Slab
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The Cabinet /Selkirk mountains are forecasted to receive 15-25'' of snow in the next 3 days. The rapid loading on the snowpack could cause some  instabilities in the old / new snow interface. My guess is that this new snow will stick pretty well to the snow underneath, but we don't know until it happens. I'd recommend looking at the old / new interface while you're out today. That info will tell you good information about the sensitivity of the new snow

 

Avalanche Problem 2: Persistent Slab
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The snowpack is getting deep now! There are persistant weak layers in the snowpack, but the good news is that they seem to be sleeping right now. It's always good to keep these snowpack problems in your head, but right now the persistant weak layers don't seem to active. If the new snow will put a signifigant load on the snowpack. That could be enough to wake up some instabilities deeper in the pack. 

Weather and CURRENT CONDITIONS
weather summary

A winter storm is arriving now! Unsettled weather will continue into the weekend. Winds will primarily be out of the SW and the rain/snow line looks like it will be hovering around 3000-4000 feet

Weather observations from the Region
0600 temperature: 33 deg. F.
Max. temperature in the last 24 hours: 37 deg. F.
Average wind direction during the last 24 hours: SW
Average wind speed during the last 24 hours: 9 mph
Maximum wind gust in the last 24 hours: 27 mph
New snowfall in the last 24 hours: >1'' inches
Total snow depth: 125 inches
Two-Day Mountain Weather Forecast Produced in partnership with the Spokane NWS
For 2000 ft. to 4000 ft.
Tuesday Tuesday Night Wednesday
Weather: Snow / rain / fog Snow / rain Snow / rain
Temperatures: 37 deg. F. 34 deg. F. 37 deg. F.
Wind Direction: S S S
Wind Speed: 5-7 5-7 3-6
Expected snowfall: >1'' in. >1'' in. >1'' in.
For 4000 ft. to 6000 ft.
Tuesday Tuesday Night Wednesday
Weather: Heavy snow Snow Snow
Temperatures: 28 deg. F. 22 deg. F. 23 deg. F.
Wind Direction: SW W SW
Wind Speed: 10-14 10-12 15-18
Expected snowfall: 3-7'' in. 1-3'' in. 2-4'' 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.

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