BOUNDARY COUNTY – The Idaho Panhandle Avalanche Center in Sandpoint has issued a Backcountry Avalanche Watch through 3:00 p.m. on Monday for the following areas: Bonner, Boundary, Kootenai, and Shoshone Counties.

According to the watch alert, the avalanche danger for the warning area will rise to high by Monday. Silver Valley Zones. Selkirk Range, Cabinet Mountains of north Idaho.

Recent heavy snow combined with wind and rising temperatures will create dangerous avalanche conditions. Rain on snow is predicted up to 8,000 feet in elevation. Large avalanches at upper elevations and smaller avalanches below tree line will be likely on Monday.

The Idaho Panhandle Avalanche Center advises travel in avalanche terrain is not recommended. Avalanches may run long distances and can run into mature forests, valley floors, or flat terrain.