Idaho Panhandle Avalanche Center
Backcountry Forecast

Contact:  Bob Kasun (208) 765-7414 or Kevin Davis (208) 265-6686, Ed Odegaard (208) 245-6209
This message available by calling (208) 765-7323 or toll-free at 1-866-489-8664.  Dial 1 at any time to leave a message.
E-mail address:  rkasun@fs.fed.us, kgdavis@fs.fed.us eodegaard@fs.fed.us

This is Bob Kasun of the Idaho Panhandle Avalanche Center with a general outlook for Thursday, February 20th, through Sunday, 
February 23rd, 2003.  This outlook does not apply to local ski areas within the forecast region and will remain in effect 
through Sunday, February 23rd.  There will be no update for this Friday.

WEATHER
            
A relatively weak storm system will bring mountain snow and valley rain through the region today and this evening.  A second 
and stronger pacific storm will bring breezy conditions and significant valley rain and the potential for heavy mountain snow 
on Thursday.  Mountain snow showers and valley rain or snow showers will linger through Friday.  More snow is likely on Saturday, 
with a slight chance of snow on Sunday.

SNOWPACK

The possibility of heavy snow and high winds in the mountains could make for an interesting scenario for the next few days, especially 
in areas where surface hoar has been persistent. If we get the predicted intensive snowfall and winds in the mountains, this would 
definitely increase the avalanche danger for the next three or four days. Even though it feels like spring is arriving early, you can 
count on Ol’ Man Winter hanging around in the mountains for a while since they can get significant snow into April.  So if we dig down 
to find out what’s there right now, we’ll see some persistent and faceted layers throughout the snow pack profile and even some 
unconsolidated crystals near the ground surface.  Significant loading such as a snowmobile, a skier, or heavy snowfall in a 
sensitive area will add more stress to the snow pack. Keep in mind that the last 2 fatalities in the panhandle region were in March in 
the Selkirk Mountains that involved snowmobilers. 

TERRAIN

Keep a keen eye on the weather for the next few days since it will dictate whether avalanche conditions could become considerable 
to high.  The areas to watch out for are the colder and shaded wind-loaded slopes above timberline where surface hoar has been persistent 
and also in areas where wind loading may have occurred on even the southerly and westerly slopes.  Remember that most natural avalanches 
occur during or just after an intensive storm.   

The next forecast is scheduled for Friday, February 28th.

Avalanche conditions change for better or worse continually. Backcountry travelers should be prepared to assess current conditions for 
themselves, plan their routes of travel accordingly, and never travel alone. Backcountry travelers can reduce their exposure to avalanche 
hazards by utilizing timbered trails and ridge routes and by avoiding open and exposed terrain with slope angles of 30 degrees or more. 
Backcountry travelers should carry the necessary avalanche rescue equipment such as a shovel, avalanche probe or probe ski poles, a rescue 
beacon and a well-equipped first aid kit.