Avalanche Danger Lessens Slightly

Avalanche conditions in North Idaho have improved slightly because of the lack of recent precipitation, according to the U.S. Forest Service.

The snowpack has settled some. But cold temperatures have not changed the internal structure of the existing snowpack to the point of making it stable, the Forest Service said.

Some areas have received as much as 20 inches of new snow on top of a melt-freeze layer. There also is an unstable layer of snow under that melt-freeze layer, agency officials said.

Because of this combination, backcountry travelers should stick to designated trails.