Snow pit investigations in the Selkirk Mountains near Schweitzer reveal that even the south facing slopes have a number of internal faceted crusts and are still sensitive to shear tests. Unstable slab layers are probable on steep terrain on all aspects. Natural avalanches are possible in the Selkirks above 5500 feet, while human triggered avalanches are probable. Backcountry travelers should be very cautious and be aware of potentially dangerous areas of unstable snow. Unstable slab layers are possible from 4500 to 5500 feet in steep and open terrain without exposed trees or brush to provide anchoring.
Natural avalanches are unlikely, while human triggered avalanches are possible.
Use caution in the steep and open terrain, especially on the north facing slopes. In the St. Regis Basin near Lookout Pass, the snow seems to be a bit more stable and less sensitive to shear tests on the south facing slopes, but the layering is still obvious. I would suspect that it would be even more sensitive on the north facing slopes so backcountry travelers should use caution and avoid those steep and open slopes above timberline in the basin. Unstable slab layers are possible on exposed slopes of 30 degrees or more. A series of weak systems is moving into the region and we should see some snow in the mountains starting tonight and into Sunday.