Avalanche forecast

East Cabinet Mountains

Idaho Panhandle Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Wed
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
1 · Low
Below
1 · Low
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Out of date — this forecast expired 4 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

Triggering a small windslab is possible in steep terrain below ridgelines or in steep cross-loaded chutes at upper elevations. To minimize your risk today take the time to assess the potential for wind loading in steep terrain, particularly on north and east aspects.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–2

    Our snowpack is currently in a stable condition with pockets of stubborn windslab present at upper elevations. The 4-6" of snow that fell on Saturday came in with moderate west to southwesterly winds, this has created pockets of wind slab at elevations above 6,000' that may be triggered in steep terrain. On Monday we observed a couple of avalanches that had previously released in this new snow in very steep terrain (greater than 40 degrees). These windslabs will be resistant to triggering today and generally small in size, but you will want to pay attention to consequences of getting caught in an avalanche today before committing to steep terrain.

Avalanche Discussion

Yesterday we toured into the East Cabinets and did our best to cover multiple aspects and elevations. We found good snowpack stability with a stout crust layer in the snowpack resulting from the warm and rainy weather during Christmas. The rain penetrated deep into the snow and has left us with a very cohesive snowpack and generally stable conditions overall. The deep weak layer we have been talking about all winter may still be out there in isolated locations, but for now I am taking it off the list of concerning issues as it is bridged by a thick rain crust. It is something I will keep on the radar moving forward, but it is unlikely to be an issue unless we encounter another prolonged period of warm and rainy weather. For more details, watch the video below!

We are providing a free "Introduction to Avalanches" course on January 6th. This class will take place from 5 P.M. to 9 P.M. in Libby, at the Kootenai N.F. Supervisors Office. There will be a field course the following day at Flatiron Mountain for backcountry skiers and snowboarders. A field day for snowmobilers will be provided on January 21st at Gem Peak south of Noxon. All are welcome to attend the classroom session regardless of your experience. Contact Ben Bernall for more info @ [email protected] 

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