NWS Forecast Office Spokane, WA

The Idaho Panhandle Avalanche Center has issued an Avalanche Warning for portions of North Idaho. Heavy snowfall formed dangerous slabs of snow three to four feet deep. Now, an extended period of moderate to heavy rainfall is saturating the dry snowpack and will quickly overload numerous weak snow interfaces below. The snow line will continue to rise to around 7,000 feet and stay at that elevation through midweek. It will be very likely for backcountry travelers to trigger large to very large avalanches and natural avalanches are likely. Avalanches can break wide across terrain features and run long distances to lower elevations and into mature forests. Travel in avalanche terrain is not recommended during this period.

On Wednesday there is a marginal risk of severe thunderstorms over portions of Eastern Washington and North Idaho as noted by the dark green shading on the map. Thunderstorms will be capable of putting down frequent lightning, gusty winds, hail, and heavy rain.

Join us for one of our Spring spotter talks during the month of April! Dates are April 14, 23, or 29 from 6 - 7:30 PM. See the news headline at weather.gov/Spokane for registration information.