Hello Folks,
I wanted to give everyone an update from the Avalanche Center. As of right now, the Forest Service forecasters are still being allowed in the field to gather information. We will continue to post forecasts to the best of our ability, but expect this to be evolving. I fully expect backcountry use to increase as the local resorts close. At this time, Silver is the only one that has announced a closure for the next three days. If I had a crystal ball, I would expect the others to have closures as well, as everywhere else in the country the ski resorts are closing either voluntarily or by state decree.
This means two things to me. The ski patrollers at Silver that help provide me with snow condition information for the Silver Valley report aren't working midweek right now. I ask those of you who head out this week to help fill in that gap. Post an observation here, on our website, or send it to me through social media. These observations are crucial for me to write a well rounded forecast. This goes with any time of the year, but now more than ever.
Secondly, as I mentioned, I expect backcountry use to increase. While I don't have to worry too much about people skinning all the way up to Silver, keep it in mind if you go to other resorts that are closed down. Ski patrol services such as rescue, avalanche mitigation, or avalanche closures aren't happening. It is all BACKCOUNTRY. When out in the backcountry, practice social distancing, but engage with other users to help out those that might be new to touring/an area. Be good stewards of our sport and help keep everyone safe!
We are approaching the time where our forecasting winds down. I usually phase out to just the Friday morning forecast at this point, but I'll keep posting for Tuesday this week and next. A glimpse at the weather this week looks like we are trending towards spring conditions, but we haven't made the end of March yet!
Happy touring, and as always, feel free to send me any questions/observations/complaints/praises.
Melissa
Silver Valley Region Forecaster, Idaho Panhandle Avalanche Center
I wanted to give everyone an update from the Avalanche Center. As of right now, the Forest Service forecasters are still being allowed in the field to gather information. We will continue to post forecasts to the best of our ability, but expect this to be evolving. I fully expect backcountry use to increase as the local resorts close. At this time, Silver is the only one that has announced a closure for the next three days. If I had a crystal ball, I would expect the others to have closures as well, as everywhere else in the country the ski resorts are closing either voluntarily or by state decree.
This means two things to me. The ski patrollers at Silver that help provide me with snow condition information for the Silver Valley report aren't working midweek right now. I ask those of you who head out this week to help fill in that gap. Post an observation here, on our website, or send it to me through social media. These observations are crucial for me to write a well rounded forecast. This goes with any time of the year, but now more than ever.
Secondly, as I mentioned, I expect backcountry use to increase. While I don't have to worry too much about people skinning all the way up to Silver, keep it in mind if you go to other resorts that are closed down. Ski patrol services such as rescue, avalanche mitigation, or avalanche closures aren't happening. It is all BACKCOUNTRY. When out in the backcountry, practice social distancing, but engage with other users to help out those that might be new to touring/an area. Be good stewards of our sport and help keep everyone safe!
We are approaching the time where our forecasting winds down. I usually phase out to just the Friday morning forecast at this point, but I'll keep posting for Tuesday this week and next. A glimpse at the weather this week looks like we are trending towards spring conditions, but we haven't made the end of March yet!
Happy touring, and as always, feel free to send me any questions/observations/complaints/praises.
Melissa
Silver Valley Region Forecaster, Idaho Panhandle Avalanche Center