The Idaho Panhandle Avalanche Center has issued a backcountry avalanche watch in effect from 6 a.m. Friday through 6 a.m. Saturday for Boundary, Bonner and Shoshone Counties.
A warm, wet storm is expected to deliver several inches of dense new snow at high elevations. Pushed by strong winds, the new snow may overload the upper layers of the snowpack and cause a widespread cycle of dangerous avalanches.
The danger level is expected to be raised to high Saturday morning.