Silver Mountain reports 6-12 new inches of snow since Wednesday to make 53" of total snowfall this season. Surface conditions are packed. There's a base depth of 38" at Kellogg Peak and 23" at Mid-Mountain.

Five lifts are currently operational with 39 trails open, but only 19 of them are groomed. 

Wind at the Mountain Haus is reported as being light. 

Via Silver Mountain Snow Daily Snow Report.

A new report suggests 18 backcountry areas that are recommended to Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar for congressional protection.

At this point it’s only a preliminary list that will be used to collection local support for the foundation of a bipartisan public lands bill that they hope to pass through Congress.

The list was compiled by Deputy Secretary David J. Hayes and BLM director Bob Abbey based on input from congress, state and city officials and interested parties.

"The backcountry areas we identify in this report are by no means the only public lands that may deserve protection by Congress, but this preliminary list of possibilities shows that there is a compelling case for bipartisan legislative action to conserve lands for recreation, protection, and enjoyment," said deputy secretary David J. Hayes.

Locations from Washington, Idaho and Montana made the list. They’re not exactly localized near you, but if you find yourself traveling for vacation, check them out.

Some recreation in the Idaho Panhandle National Forests will now require new food storage requirements while in the region's back and front country.

Starting October 11th, forest visitors will need to store food items in a "bear resistant manner" and dispose of wildlife attracts in a proper manner. Forest officials say the new food storage requirement will reduce human and wildlife conflicts because of readily available food sources.

The requirement will be in effect from April 1st to December 1st on an annual basis.

Officials say the requirements depend on your recreation location.