Avalanche — Northern Panhandle, Idaho

2003-02-22 · Northern Panhandle, Idaho

Event narrative

After a night of new snowfall and warming daytime temperatures, two separate avalanches occurred just an hour and a half apart and within 20 miles of each other. The first event took place around 11:30 am near Keokee Lake about 10 miles northwest of Schweitzer Ski Resort. A couple of back country skiers were caught in an avalanche, and one was buried. The second event took place around 1 pm about 5 miles east of Priest Lake. A group of snowmobilers were caught in an avalanche, and one was buried.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 5342413. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.