SANDPOINT — Heavy snow combined with strong winds is creating widespread areas of unstable snow and high avalanche danger at all elevations and aspects in the Selkirk and Cabinet mountain ranges, the U.S. Forest Service’s Idaho Panhandle Avalanche Center said on Wednesday.

“Avalanches may run long distances and into flat areas. Avoid traveling on or below any terrain that is steeper than 30 degrees. Travel in avalanche terrain is not recommended,” Melissa Hendrickson of IPAC said in the advisory.

The advisory also applies to the St. Regis Basin and the Silver Valley.

The avalanche danger is rated high above, near and below the tree line.

IPAC counsels backcountry visitors to be prepared to assess current conditions for themselves, plan their routes of travel accordingly, and never travel alone. Backcountry travelers can reduce their exposure to avalanche hazards by utilizing timbered trails and ridge routes and by avoiding open and exposed terrain with slope angles of 30 degrees or more. Backcountry travelers should carry the necessary avalanche rescue equipment such as a shovel, avalanche probe or probe ski poles, a rescue beacon and a well-equipped first aid kit.

For a recorded version of the advisory call 208-765-7323.

Keith Kinnaird can be reached by email at kkinnaird@bonnercountydailybee.com and follow him on Twitter @KeithDailyBee.