More snow forecast for region

SANDPOINT - After a brief reprieve over the weekend, blustery weather conditions began again Monday, and forecasts are calling for more snow throughout the week.

Schweitzer Mountain Resort reported six inches of new snow in the 24-hour period ending Monday morning, bringing the season total up to 76 inches. With the new snow, the resort now has six lifts operating and 39 runs open to the public.

The mountain should get even more snow in the coming days, as forecasts call for continued cold weather with eight to 12 inches of snow in the valleys and as much as 12 to 15 inches in the mountains by Wednesday night.

Avalanche conditions for the entire Idaho Panhandle National Forest advisory area are rated as considerable on wind-loaded aspects greater than 30 degrees and above 5,000 feet, according to the Idaho Panhandle Avalanche Center. The center is warning that natural avalanches in those areas are possible and human-triggered avalanches are probable. Conditions are rated moderate on all other slopes below 5,000 feet.

After last winter's near record snowfall, this season's moderate accumulation has posed few problems for Sandpoint's snowplow operators, said Public Works Director Kody Van Dyk.

To ensure efficient plowing, Van Dyk said the city is enforcing winter parking rules that require residents to park on the odd numbered side of the street on odd days and the even side of the street on even days.s