Avalanche Threat Eases, But Not Over

The avalanche danger is dropping in the back country, the U.S. Forest Service says.

Two snowmobile trails in the Priest Lake Ranger District, however, remain closed. The Blacktail and Boulder snowmobile trails will remain closed for the rest of the season.

A daily melting and freezing cycle and generally stable weather are strengthening the snowpack. There are, however, some portions of the snowpack that haven’t bonded, the Forest Service said.

There still is a danger of wet slides on south aspects and on steep slopes. There also is danger on leeward slopes because of wind loading.

Snowpack stability changes constantly, the Forest Service warns. Travelers should never go alone. They should stick to timbered trails and ridge routes whenever possible.

Avoid large open areas with slopes of 30 percent or greater. Back country travelers also are advised to carry avalanche rescue equipment such as a shovel, avalanche probe, rescue beacon and well-equipped first aid kit. , DataTimes