COEUR D’ALENE, Idaho — Avalanche conditions remain dangerous in North Idaho mountains Monday as recent snowfall and elevated winds create hazardous conditions for backcountry travelers.
The avalanche danger is rated as considerable above tree line in the Selkirk and West Cabinet Mountains, while the Silver Valley-Bitterroots face moderate danger above tree line on December 29th, according to the Idaho Panhandle Avalanche Center.
Natural avalanche activity and lingering elevated winds are transporting recent snowfall into stiffer slabs on leeward-facing terrain, the avalanche center reported. The conditions warrant continued conservative decision making for anyone venturing into the backcountry.
Travelers face increased risk of triggering a dangerous slide when traveling on or directly below steep northerly and easterly facing slopes at upper elevations, forecasters warned.
A large avalanche observed in the Selkirks demonstrates the current danger, the Idaho Panhandle Avalanche Center said. The slide likely occurred around December 27th on a north-facing slope below ridge line, providing an example of the type of avalanche problem backcountry users could encounter.
Field teams conducting stability assessments experienced propagating results in their tests and reported hearing loud, rumbling collapses in the snowpack — indicators of unstable conditions, according to the center.
The combination of recent snowfall, wind loading and unstable snow layers creates conditions where human-triggered avalanches remain likely on steep terrain above tree line, the avalanche center reported.
Backcountry travelers should avoid steep slopes on northerly and easterly aspects at upper elevations and consider postponing trips until conditions stabilize, forecasters advised.
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