Avalanche forecast

East Cabinet Mountains

Idaho Panhandle Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Sat
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
2 · Moderate
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Highlights

THE BOTTOM LINE

Today's potential avalanche problems vary widely across the forecast zone and are separated by location and elevation. At elevations above 5,500' it is possible to trigger large avalanches on weak layers buried 2-3 feet deep. You can avoid large and dangerous avalanches by steering clear of steep and open terrain at elevations above 5,500'. There is still potential for lower elevation "loose-wet" avalanches in steep terrain below tree line. For the safest riding conditions stick to slopes that are no steeper than 30 degrees.

Avalanche problems

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    2–3

    Weak basal stucture in the form of facets, decomposing crusts, and buried surface hoar are present 2-3 feet down in the snowpack. This avalanche problem can be found in all three mountain ranges but will be more easily triggered in the Purcell Range where the snowpack is thinner.  On Thursday, our stability tests showed consistent failures that showed the potential to propagate across slopes. Triggering an avalanche on one of these weak layers is possible and could create a large and destructive avalanche if triggered. These conditions were found in the Purcells and the Cabinets in stability tests this week and may become more easily triggered as additional weight is added to the snowpack in the form of rain.

    Jan 25th, 2024 ENE Aspect 5600' Purcell Mountains. Failure on Basabl Facets with Moderate force. Photo: Liz Figgins

  • Loose Wet

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–1.5

    The snowpack at lower elevations is saturated due to the warm temperatures throughout the week. Wet-Loose avalanches are possible in low elevation steep terrain.  Steep slopes and  gullies that funnel into terrain traps should be avoided.

Avalanche Discussion

There are a wide range of avalanche problems you might run into in your exploration of the mountains today. The primary concern on the Kootenai zone is the potential to trigger a large, high consequence avalanche in the weak faceted base of the snowpack. Additional weight added to the snowpack this week and warmer temperature have consolated the January storm snow and developed a more cohesive slab on top of the weak faceted snow at the base of the pack. We observed collapsing on this layer in the Cabinets and Purcells this week, so the potential in not isolated to one area or mountain range. To avoid this problem, avoid travelling, skiing or riding in steep, open terrain above 5500' and thoroughly assess the snowpack where you are by digging pits and doing stability tests.

Potential for wet-loose avalanches will rise through the weekend as additional precipitation falls in the form of rain.  Avoid steep slopes and gullies in lower elevation terrain.

The last avalanche problem you may see is isolated pockets of wind slab or storm slab at the upper elevations where snow has been deposited on leeward slopes. 24 hour snow totals observed at our snotel sites don't indicate that this is a widespread concern. However, if venturing into the high mountains be aware of the potential for pockets of storm snow to be triggered which may have the potential to step-down into the deeper instabilities within the pack causing large, catastrophic avalanches. 

Warmer temperatures are forecasted through the weekend with up to an inch of rain in the mountains. Snow levels will rise to 7000' by Sunday. Anticipate the avalanche danger to rise as additional weight is added to the snowpack. Large natural avalanches will be possible and human triggered avalanches will be likely in steep terrain.

Video from snowpit results in the East Cabinets on Monday, 1/22/24:

https://youtu.be/JTxxhuPDcyE

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