Avalanche forecast

East Cabinet Mountains

Idaho Panhandle Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Alpine
4 · High
Treeline
4 · High
Below
3 · Considerable
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Out of date — this forecast expired 4 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

Abundant snowfall and wind combined with a weak snowpack structure has created dangerous avalanche conditions at Treeline and above. Backcountry travellers should avoid travelling on or below terrain that is steeper than 30 degrees. 

Avalanche problems

  • Storm Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Very Likely
    Size
    1.5–2.5

    In terrain over 30 degrees you are very likely to trigger soft slab avalanches on all aspects. Terrain that is exposed to the effects of the wind will be most easily triggered as there will be more loading and cohesion in the upper snowpack at those locations. Stay safe today by avoiding open terrain that is steeper than 30 degrees. Terrain sheltered by the timber will be the least likely spots to trigger an avalanche.

  • Persistent Slabs

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

    In terrain above 5,000 feet you will find a crust layer that is sandwiched by weak sugary snow. Failures in the new storm snow layers are likely to step down to this crust interface and create large avalanches. This crust layer is close to the ground across the area and will be a concern for some time. On Wednesday we were seeing large shooting cracks and collapsing on this layer. Stability tests were propagating consistently with 6 to 7 wrist taps.

Avalanche Discussion

The most recent storm is predicted to taper off Thursday afternoon with drier and cooler conditions coming into the area. 

Regularly scheduled avalanche advisories will be posted on Tuesday, Friday and Saturdays at 7 a.m. 

Regions covered