NORTH IDAHO — Avalanche danger has risen to considerable across all zones Monday, Feb. 16, according to the Friends of the Idaho Panhandle Avalanche Center.
Snowpack tests conducted Sunday in the Silver Valley-Bitterroots found recently buried surface hoar that formed just before Valentine’s Day propagated with just one or two taps, indicating instability, the organization said.
Forecasters said the setup is concerning on its own but becomes more complicated on slopes where surface hoar buried Jan. 28 remains intact. In those areas, the likelihood of an avalanche stepping down deeper into the snowpack is elevated, potentially resulting in a large and difficult-to-survive slide.
Poor visibility has limited observations of natural avalanches, and typical surface clues signaling instability have been scarce, which officials warn can be misleading. The snowpack structure remains weak, and human-triggered avalanches are likely, according to the organization.
Backcountry travelers are urged to choose conservative terrain, as considerable danger could persist, the group said.
For more information visit Friends of the Idaho Panhandle Avalanche Center.
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