East Cabinet Mountains

Heavy snow and strong winds have created dangerous avalanche conditions on all aspects at tree line and above.  Natural avalanches are likely and human triggered avalanches are very likely on steep slopes over 30 degrees today. Avoid travel in avalanche terrain and areas below or adjacent to avalanche terrain today. Arctic air has entered the forecast area and bitter cold temperatures will be present through the weekend.

***Yesterday, there was a fatal avalanche accident near Stevens Peak in the Silver Valley. Rescue and recovery are continuing today. For more information you can find a report on the IPAC home page or Shoshone County Sheriffs FB page https://www.facebook.com/p/Shoshone-County-Sheriffs-Office-100064700947434/

Numerous small avalanches that released overnight Wednesday and throughout the day Thursday were observed on northerly aspects.  Additional snow and strong winds will increase the potential for avalanches today.   Previous storms were accompanied by southwesterly winds and presently north and east aspects are holding deep and unconsolidated snow.  Easterly winds forecasted at 20-40 mph in the Kootenai zone will redistribute snow to westerly aspects and create reactive slabs at tree line and above Friday into the weekend.  

Storms this week have deposited up to 6 inches of SWE and 4 feet of loose unconsolidated snow at upper elevations.  While this is a welcome change from December, today was a good reminder of the hazards associated with this much new snow.  At lower elevations where snow is relatively shallow, buried hazards still exist.  At upper elevations snow is "bottomless" once you step off your skis or machine.  Tree wells are getting deep and recovering from a fall may be challenging at best.  Use extra caution and be sure ski and ride with your partners in site.   

Weak layers, consisting of facets and buried surface hoar that were not previously reactive, are now under a significant load of recent snow.  There is still potential for avalanches to fail on these layers until proven dormant.  These layers are more widespread in the Purcell Range but can't be ruled out in the East or West Cabinets where distribution is likely to be isolated to Northerly aspects at tree line and above. Use caution before stepping out to avalanche terrain in the coming days. 

Lastly, arctic air is penetrating northwest Montana and will remain entrenched through the weekend.  An accident or injury in these conditions has potential to create a life-threatening situation.  If you brave to venture out, bring a conservative mindset and appropriate survival skills and equipment. 

On Thursday we received an initial report of a serious avalanche accident in the Silver Valley area of Idaho. We have very little information at this time regarding the specifics, but as of last night rescue efforts were taking place. An investigation will take place as soon as it is safe to do so.