SANDPOINT, Idaho — Avalanche danger reached HIGH levels Friday in the Selkirk, Purcell, and Cabinet Mountains as prolonged warm weather creates unstable snow conditions, according to the Friends of the Idaho Panhandle Avalanche Center. The Silver Valley-Bitterroots face CONSIDERABLE danger.
Weather stations have recorded above-freezing temperatures for 70 to 90 continuous hours, with mid-40s expected today, the Friends of the Idaho Panhandle Avalanche Center reported. Northern zones could receive another 1 to 1.5 inches of rain by Saturday morning.
The Friends of the Idaho Panhandle Avalanche Center warns that timing wet snow avalanche releases remains difficult to predict. Evidence of wet loose avalanches already exists throughout the region as mountains become destabilized.
Wet snow avalanches can travel long distances, and even small avalanches could trigger larger slab avalanches. The water-saturated snow creates debris that flows like concrete.
HIGH ratings mean natural and human-triggered avalanches are very likely. CONSIDERABLE ratings mean human-triggered avalanches are likely and natural avalanches are possible.
Backcountry users should avoid avalanche terrain entirely. Those who must travel in mountain areas should stick to low-angle terrain away from avalanche paths.
For more information visit Friends of the Idaho Panhandle Avalanche Center Facebook page.
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