Sandpoint, Idaho – Backcountry travel in parts of North Idaho and western Montana could turn deadly this weekend as deep new snow and strengthening winds keep avalanche conditions at extreme levels through Sunday morning.
According to the Idaho Panhandle Avalanche Center in Sandpoint, a backcountry avalanche warning took effect at 7 a.m. Saturday and remains in place until 7 a.m. Sunday for the Bitterroot Mountains in the Silver Valley, the East Cabinet Mountains above 4,000 feet, and parts of Shoshone County. The warning was relayed by the National Weather Service in Spokane and includes nearby avalanche terrain tied to the NWS Missoula region.
Forecasters said dangerous conditions began Wednesday night when heavy snowfall combined with strong to extreme winds. Since then, snow has continued piling up in higher terrain, with multiple feet reported in some mountain locations. Winds eased somewhat after midweek but are expected to increase again Saturday, with gusts of 40 to 50 mph capable of moving large amounts of fresh snow onto already unstable slopes.
That combination has built dangerous slabs that can easily break under the weight of a skier, snowboarder, snowmobiler or snowshoer. Some avalanches may release on their own. The avalanche center warned that the largest slides could run far beyond steep slopes and into mature timber, valley bottoms and flatter terrain.
Anyone headed into the mountains this weekend should avoid avalanche terrain altogether, postpone non-essential recreation plans, and check local avalanche updates before traveling. More advisories could follow if heavy snow and wind continue.
