Heavy snow poses a very dangerous avalanche risk in two states. Meteorologists with the National Weather Service (NWS) have issued a “very dangerous” avalanche warning for sections of Idaho and Montana on Friday.
Winter storms are delivering heavy snow to most of the country on Friday, during one of the busiest travel periods of the year, as millions return home from Christmas celebrations.
It’s also a great time of year for skiing and backcountry sports, but those traveling into winter terrain in northern Idaho and northwestern Montana have been cautioned of potential avalanches this weekend.
What to Know:
On Friday morning, the National Weather Service offices in Spokane, Washington, and Missoula, Montana, both relayed avalanche watches issued by the local avalanche center.
The IPAC in Sandpoint, Idaho, has issued a backcountry avalanche watch for the entire forecast region, according to the alert. This encompasses Benewah, Bonner Boundary, Kootenai, and Shoshone counties, as well as the Selkirk, West, and East Cabinet Mountains and the Bitterroot Mountains. It also encompasses part of the Missoula forecast region.
The watch does not apply to the nearby ski regions. It will be in effect until 7 a.m. local time on Saturday. The Selkirk Mountains were the most dangerous, according to the IPAC website. As of Friday morning, no avalanches had been reported.
What People are Saying
In the televised avalanche watch, NWS Spokane stated that “Very dangerous avalanche conditions could develop by Saturday morning and raise the danger to High.”
The watch further stated that “forecast snowfall amounts are sufficient to cause a widespread cycle of avalanches large enough to bury, injure, or kill a person.” Some of these avalanches may occur naturally, making it quite easy for backcountry travelers to initiate them.”
In a weather forecast, the Idaho Panhandle Avalanche Center stated: “On Thursday, snowfall and strong winds blanketed much of the forecast area, with the Selkirk and Cabinet Mountains receiving 8 to 12 inches.” Around 5 to 8 inches has been reported in the Silver Valley and Bitterroot Mountains. Winds increased as predicted, peaking in the late afternoon in the mid to upper 20s with gusts of up to 40 mph.”
What Happens Next?
People were advised not to travel in or below avalanche terrain during the watch period. The alert warned that avalanche danger could occur in locations other than those indicated in the watch.
