In brief: Free snowmobile-centered Avalanche Safety Course offered by Idaho Parks and Recreation

A free snowmobile-centered Avalanche Safety Course is being offered from 6:30-9 p.m. Wednesday in Liberty Lake.

Preregistration is required. Contact Blair Geiger, email: Blair.Geiger@idpr.idaho.gov or call (208) 769-1511.

Approximately half of all avalanche fatalities are snowmobile related, says Idaho Parks and Recreation, which is organizing the class.

In 90 percent of the avalanche accidents, the victim or someone in the victim’s party triggers the avalanche.

Avalanche conditions are predictable and many accidents can be prevented through monitoring avalanche forecasts and checking conditions in the field, department officials say.

Avalanche classes

Two Level 1 Avalanche Awareness classes – a basic requirement for safe backcountry travel on skis, snowshoes, whatever – are being offered in the Sandpoint area and in Spokane by Selkirk Powder Company as well as Selkirk Outdoor Leadership & Education.

Selkirk Powder operates backcountry snowcat ski tours adjacent to Schweitzer Mountain.

Each course consists of two four-hour classroom sessions followed by a field practical day in the backcountry with Selkirk Powder.

Classes are limited to 14 participants. Cost: $299.

Sign-up: reservations@selkirkpowder.com.

• Class 1: Tuesday and Wednesday at Sagle Center in Sagle.

• Jan. 25, Field Practical at Selkirk Powder.

• Class 2: Jan. 14-15 at Mountain Gear, Spokane.

• Feb. 25, Field Practical at Selkirk Powder.

See a list of regional avalanche courses and programs for backcountry skiers as well as snowmobilers at panhandlebackcountry.com/safety.

Eagles showing at CdA

Bald eagles are finally showing some interest in their traditional winter feast of spawning kokanee at Lake Coeur d’Alene.

Carrie Hugo, U.S. Bureau of Land Management wildlife biologist, counted 18 bald eagles Tuesday in the Wolf Lodge Bay area. That’s up from  four eagles counted last week during her weekly survey. 

Wednesday’s tally of 13 adults and five immature eagles is down considerably from last year at this time when Hugo counted 57.

In 2012 during this week, she counted 121 bald eagles – 84 adults and 37 immature.

The 2013 bald eagle count at Lake Coeur d’Alene peaked at 217 on Dec. 30.

Nordic ski trails

Cross-country skiing on groomed trails is getting off to a spotty start in Eastern Washington.

The snow that had accumulated on Mount Spokane’s cross-country ski park last week was rendered to a few inches of ice and hardpack by the rains that followed.

Grooming on the park’s 60 kilometers of Nordic trails won’t begin until about a foot of snow accumulates, park rangers say.

Meanwhile, the Methow Trails near Winthrop are groomed and open for business. Info: (509) 996-3287.

Chelan’s Echo Ridge Nordic Ski Area opened this week, although ski conditions are variable.

The small ski area located 10 miles from Chelan is managed cooperatively by the U.S. Forest Service and the Lake Chelan Nordic Ski Club. Info: (509) 682-4900.