Avalanche conditions throughout the panhandle region are rated as HIGH at elevations above 5000 feet on all aspects. Unstable slab layers are likely on steep and open terrain. Natural and human triggered avalanches are likely. Travel in avalanche terrain is not recommended. Unstable slab layers are probable on steep and open terrain.
Natural avalanches are unlikely, while human triggered avalanches are possible.
Backcountry travelers should use caution in steep and open terrain on all aspects. A strong pacific storm system moved through the region Wednesday and Wednesday evening and dumped up to 6 to 12 inches of new snow in the higher elevations. This new snow is sitting on a shallow snow pack with some obvious unstable layers. Snow pit investigations in the Selkirk and Cabinet Mountains show that these layers are starting to trend toward some stability, but they are still evident and with the recent snow and winds and more of the same in the forecast for the next few days, things could get pretty nasty. The snow pack in the St. Regis Basin is even more sensitive to shear tests since last week s visit.