National Weather Service (NWS) meteorologists have warned of "very dangerous" avalanche conditions for parts of Idaho and Montana on Friday.
Newsweek reached out to the Idaho Panhandle Avalanche Center (IPAC) by email for comment.
Why It Matters
Winter storms are bringing heavy snow to much of the nation on Friday amid one of the busiest travel periods of the year, as millions travel home following Christmas celebrations.
It's also a popular time of year for skiing and backcountry activities, but those adventuring in winter terrain in northern Idaho and northwestern Montana have been warned of dangerous avalanches that could occur this weekend.
What to Know
On Friday morning, the NWS office in Spokane, Washington, and the NWS office in Missoula, Montana, both relayed avalanche watches that were issued by the local avalanche center.
The IPAC in Sandpoint, Idaho, issued a backcountry avalanche watch for the entire forecast region, according to the alert. This includes Benewah, Bonner Boundary, Kootenai and Shoshone counties, including the Selkirk, West and East Cabinet Mountains, and Bitterroot Mountains. It also includes part of the Missoula forecast region.
The watch does not apply to local ski areas. It will remain in effect until 7 a.m. local time on Saturday.
The highest danger was in the Selkirk Mountains, according to the IPAC website.
As of Friday morning, no avalanches have been reported.
What People Are Saying
NWS Spokane in the broadcast avalanche watch: "Very dangerous avalanche conditions could develop by Saturday morning and raise the danger to High."
The watch added: "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 could release naturally, and it will be very easy for backcountry travelers to trigger them."
Idaho Panhandle Avalanche Center in a weather forecast: "On Thursday, snowfall and strong winds blanketed much of the forecast area and heavier snowfall favored the Selkirk and Cabinet Mountains with 8 to 12 inches. Around 5 to 8 inches is reported in the Silver Valley and Bitterroot Mountains. The uptick in winds were as advertised and peaked during the late afternoon in the mid to upper 20s, and gusts of around 40 mph."
What Happens Next
People were urged against traveling in or below avalanche terrain during the watch period. The alert warned that avalanche danger also can exist at other locations outside of the listed areas in the watch.
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