Summary
An atmospheric river storm has increased the risk of deadly avalanches in northern Idaho and northwestern Montana. Heavy snow and intense rain have led the Idaho Panhandle Avalanche Center to issue an avalanche watch for certain mountainous areas.
Key Facts
- An atmospheric river is bringing heavy snow and intense rain to northern Idaho and northwestern Montana.
- The Idaho Panhandle Avalanche Center has issued a Backcountry Avalanche Watch for affected areas.
- The watch is in place from 6 a.m. to 4 p.m. PST on Monday.
- The watch covers the Selkirk, West and East Cabinet Mountains, Bitterroot Mountains, and Silver Valley in Idaho, as well as parts of northwestern Montana.
- Conditions could lead to very dangerous avalanches and are expected to reach a high danger level of 4 out of 5.
- The atmospheric river is bringing near-historic moisture levels, raising the risk of avalanches.
- People are advised not to travel in or below avalanche-prone areas during the storm.
- The avalanche risk continues during a period of repeated storms in the Pacific Northwest this month.
