Selkirk Mountains

The Selkirk and Cabinet zone is currently experiencing  a low avalanche danger due to a lack of snow combined with a consolidated snowpack. While isolated pockets of wind-loaded snow may be present near ridgelines, they are easily identifiable and avoidable. The primary concern today lies beneath the snow surface, as the shallow snowpack means potential hazards are closer to the snow surface. It is advised to tread lightly and exercise caution, as there may be rocks, trees, or other obstacles lurking beneath the snow. 

Yesterday, Micah and I headed up Tressle Creek in the Cabinet Mountains to assess conditions. Surprisingly, there was sufficient snow coverage to use the regular snowmobile parking lot and venture up the road. At the Tressle Creek saddle (5200 ft), we encountered around 20 inches of snow. The snow was not frozen and was still wet from the surface to the ground. Fortunately, we didn't find any weak layers or potential slide planes. In early season conditions, we often observe substantial facet growth in the lower snowpack, creating weak, sugary snow near the ground, but that hasn't been the case so far this season.

After some observations at the saddle, we proceeded to Lunch Peak (6300 ft). Although snow coverage is shallow for this time of year, there was enough on the road to reach Lunch Peak. We noticed a significant difference between the saddle and Lunch Peak. Colder temperatures at higher elevations over the past couple of weeks have kept the snow slightly drier, allowing for wind loading. We observed signs of snow transport on the ridgeline, mainly on the north and west sides. Wind loading and pockets of wind slab were evident on all aspects. Snow depth at 6300 ft varied from 10 to 40 inches, with less than 30 inches in most areas. Many open faces still had rocks and brush protruding, preventing uniform slab formation in most avalanche starting zones. Pockets of deeper wind loaded areas do exist, though unlikely, they could be triggered resulting in a small avalanche. We'd recommend staying away from those wind loaded pockets right now. If they were to slide it'd be a bumpy ride on rocks and trees. 

While it was exciting to get the snowmobiles some exercise and breathe fresh air, we're eagerly awaiting more snow to safely explore off-trail. Take care out there, and keep doing your snow dance!