Avalanche alert

Recent wild weather swings have snowballed into ripe conditions for avalanches in North Idaho mountains, according to the Idaho Panhandle Avalanche Center.

Avalanche danger for the entire Panhandle is rated as "considerable" on all aspects above 4,500 feet and steeper than 30 degrees, states the center's latest advisory that was released Friday.

Considerable rating means natural avalanches are possible and human-triggered avalanches are probable.

"These are dangerous conditions and careful snowpack evaluation is necessary," said Kevin Davis, of the Forest Service and IPAC director. "Cautious travel and route-finding is essential to avoid avalanches.

"These conditions are a result of the numerous storms bringing heavy snow, high winds ... and a rise in temperatures, creating heavier snow layers over the lighter snow from last week."

Davis said those recreating should avoid steep slopes on any aspect above 4,500 feet in elevation this weekend.

The hazard for all aspects less than 30 degrees in the region is "moderate."

The IPAC advisories state that avalanche danger in the region is expected to increase even more with heavy snow and wind in the forecast.

The heightened avalanche alert comes after six avalanche-related deaths have occurred in the West just this month and three last month, according to the American Avalanche Association. Last year there were three such deaths in the West for the entire winter.

There have been 10 total avalanches so far this year in the West that have resulted in injury or death. Last year there were four.

The threat of avalanches closed the 61-mile stretch of U.S. 12 in central Idaho from Lowell to Powell on Wednesday. The highway was re-opened on Thursday.

The IPAC advisories apply to the Selkirk and Cabinet mountains in the upper Panhandle, the Silver Valley and the St. Regis Basin. They do not apply to ski resorts in the region.

Advisories are posted each Friday at www.idahopanhandleavalanche.org.