Backcountry Avalanche Warning in Effect

A backcountry avalanche watch has been put in place at 6 a.m. Monday, Feb. 20 by the Idaho Panhandle Avalanche Center in Sandpoint for NWS Spokane, Boundary, Bonner, Kootenai and Shoshone Counties.

The avalanche danger for the warning area may rise to high by Tuesday morning, officials announced through a Nixle Alert.

Areas affected should include St. Regis Basin and Silver Valley Zones. Selkirk Mountains, West Cabinet Mountains along Montana/Idaho Border and East Cabinet Mountains.

The watch is in effect from Monday 6 a.m. to Tuesday 6 a.m.

Heavy snowfall and strong winds are predicted over the next 48 hours. Large avalanches at upper elevations and smaller avalanches below tree line will be likely by Tuesday.