This website is owned and maintained by the Friends of the Idaho Panhandle Avalanche Center. Some of the content is updated by the USDA avalanche forecasters including the forecasts and some observational data.

To support the Idaho Panhandle National Forest Avalanche Center in providing avalanche forecasting and education to the public. We rely on volunteers and donations to operate and assist the avalanche center to fund personnel and purchase gear.

Our education program offers FREE Avalanche Awareness Courses at locations across the Inland Northwest. No registration is necessary and classes are held in the evenings. These courses generally run from October to December. All levels of experience are welcome:

Dec 1, 2024 · The Friends of Idaho Panhandle Avalanche Center is holding a Motorized Avalanche Rescue Fundamentals Course in Wallace, Idaho. The objective of this course is to become a prepared and informed group member in the winter backcountry.

The Friends of Idaho Panhandle Avalanche Center is holding a Lodge-based Level 2 Avalanche Course in Sandpoint, ID. This course is designed for advanced winter backcountry recreationalists with prior avalanche training and experience interested in building their skills as a leader in the winter backcountry.

The Friends of Idaho Panhandle Avalanche Center is holding a “Ride with IPAC” Course in Silver Valley, Idaho. Students will spend a full day in the mountains reviewing their skills with a qualified and experienced IPAC instructor.

This website is owned and maintained by the Friends of the Idaho Panhandle Avalanche Center. Some of the content is updated by the USDA avalanche forecasters including the forecasts and some observational data.

The Idaho Panhandle Avalanche Center (IPAC) issues full avalanche advisories and danger ratings twice a week, scheduled on Tuesdays and Fridays. For the 23-24 winter season, IPAC began issuing avalanche forecasts December 12, 2023.

Topics covered include: preparation, planning, and execution of a backcountry tour based on avalanche conditions, avalanche terrain identification, hazard mitigation and safe travel techniques; weather, snowpack, and stability analysis; …

The Friends of Idaho Panhandle Avalanche Center is holding an ADVANCED Motorized Avalanche Rescue Fundamentals Course in the Silver Valley, Idaho. Students will spend a full day in the winter backcountry participating in a series of motorized avalanche rescue scenarios with a qualified and experienced IPAC instructor team.