Previous Reports Go to the IPNF Visitor Center for a full listing of sections and topics on this website. This report does not apply to local ski areas within the forecast region and will remain in effect through Sunday, February 4th. I would like to thank Shep Snow of the Snow School for providing us with his snow pit information for this week. At elevations above 5000 feet or above timberline, unstable slab layers are possible on steep terrain.
Natural avalanches are possible, while human triggered avalanches are probable.
Backcountry travelers should be very cautious in the steeper and open terrain and be aware of potentially dangerous areas of unstable snow, especially on slopes where it has recently wind-loaded. Below 5000 feet and down in the timber you can expect the snow to be generally safe with only isolated pockets of instability on the steep and open slopes. In areas with dense vegetation, the snow is anchored quite well. A pacific storm system moved through the panhandle region on Friday morning. The system is supposed to be accompanied by strong westerly winds in the mountains.