Spokane, WA – Backcountry travelers across North Idaho and the east slopes of the Cascades are being urged to avoid avalanche terrain today as forecasters warn of rapidly destabilizing snowpack and high avalanche danger continuing into early Tuesday.
According to the National Weather Service Spokane and regional avalanche centers, the risk is highest on the East North Slopes of the Cascades above 5,000 feet and in North Idaho above 6,500 feet, where heavy, wet snowfall and incoming rain are creating dangerous conditions. The advisory, issued Monday morning, highlights concerns over saturated snow layers and buried weak layers that could trigger large, destructive avalanches capable of burying, injuring, or killing backcountry users.
Forecasters say the timing varies slightly by region: avalanche danger is elevated in the Cascades through Monday, while North Idaho’s risk is expected to persist into early Tuesday. A widespread avalanche cycle is possible as precipitation continues to load steep terrain across Okanogan, Chelan, Shoshone, and surrounding backcountry areas.
Travel in avalanche terrain is strongly discouraged, with officials urging skiers, snowmobilers, and winter recreationists to avoid slopes, gullies, and runout zones during this period. Even low-angle terrain may pose unexpected risks due to heavy, wet snow and changing temperatures.
Officials recommend monitoring updates from the Northwest Avalanche Center (NWAC) and the Idaho Panhandle Avalanche Center, which will continue to issue hazard assessments as weather shifts overnight.
Residents and travelers near mountain regions are asked to report any observed avalanches and to use extreme caution near steep slopes, trailheads, and forest roads.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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