Sandpoint, Idaho – A Backcountry Avalanche Watch is in effect through 4 p.m. PST Monday for the Idaho Panhandle and portions of northwest Montana as a warm, wet storm increases the risk of dangerous avalanche activity.
The Idaho Panhandle Avalanche Center has issued the watch for Bonner, Boundary and Shoshone counties in Idaho, along with portions of northwest Montana (MTZ001). Affected mountain ranges include the Selkirk, West and East Cabinet, Purcell and Bitterroot Mountains, including the Silver Valley above 4,000 feet.
Forecasters warn that moderate to heavy snowfall will add significant weight to an already fragile snowpack. Avalanche danger is expected to rise to High (Level 4 of 5) by Monday afternoon.
Large avalanches may occur naturally and could be easily triggered by backcountry travelers. Some slides may propagate across ridgelines and run long distances into mature forests, valley floors or flat terrain. Avalanches during this period could be large enough to bury, injure or kill a person.
Officials strongly advise against traveling in or below avalanche terrain during this watch period.
Backcountry users should consult the latest forecasts and advisories at:
Dangerous avalanche conditions may also exist outside the formal coverage area.
