Avalanche Watch Issued
Courtesy photo When enjoying the backcountry in winter, it is advisable to be aware of avalanche danger.
The Idaho Panhandle Avalanche Center in Sandpoint has issued a Backcountry Avalanche Watch for Boundary, Bonner, Kootenai, Shoshone Counties in Idaho and Lincoln and Mineral Counties in Montana, and Sanders County in Washington.
The avalanche danger for the warning areas and the IPAC forecast zones may rise to high by Wednesday, February 28.
Watch is for elevations above 5,000 feet in the St. Regis/Silver Valley area, Selkirk Range, West and East Cabinets and the Purcell Range of Northwest Montana.
Backcountry Avalanche Watch in effect from Tuesday at 9 a.m. to Wednesday 9 a.m.
Impacts include: heavy snowfall and strong winds are forecasted for Wednesday (Feb 28th)-Sunday (March 3rd) at elevations above 4,000 feet. 20 to 60+ inches of snow are forecasted to fall during that time. The new snow and wind will cause dangerous avalanche conditions in steep and mountainous terrain.
Precautionary/Preparedness Actions: Very dangerous avalanche conditions expected. Travel in avalanche terrain is not recommended. Avalanches may run long distances and can run into mature forests, valley floors, or flat terrain.
Consult http://www.idahopanhandleavalanche.org/ or www.avalanche.org for more detailed information. Similar avalanche danger may exist at locations outside the coverage area of this or any avalanche center.