Avalanche forecast

East Cabinet Mountains

Idaho Panhandle Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

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

Wind slabs will continue to be the biggest threat to your safety today.  The snow that fell during last weekend's storm has been swirled and deposited into pockets of wind slab near ridgelines and gullies on all aspects. These wind slabs have become increasingly stubborn with time but it is still possible to trigger an avalanche in steep and wind loaded terrain.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    The storm this past weekend dropped 8-10" into the East Cabinets and 2-8" across other areas. During the last storm the southwest winds initially loaded north and east aspects before a cold front switched things up with strong north easterly winds. Expect to find pockets of stubborn wind slab on all aspects today with easterly aspects seeing the most recent loading due to yesterdays westerly winds. It will be possible that you may even find small wind slabs below treeline in open terrain; however, the minimal snowfall at lower elevations will likely keep these wind slabs small and relatively harmless below treeline. Pay attention to surface clues such as stiff snow and cracking in the snowpack surface, these signs will be your clue to move to safer ground. 

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    2–2.5

    A variety of concerning weak layers are still present in our snowpack on shaded terrain at elevations above 5,500'.  In the East Cabinets you will likely find a sandwich of crusts and weak, sugary snow about 18" deep. In the Purcells and West Cabinets the layer of concern is buried surface hoar (see photo).  With a new layer of snow these weak layers are now a little deeper and more consequential. Triggering this weak layer is becoming more difficult with time but the potential is still there, especially in the Purcell Range.

Avalanche Discussion

Not much has changed within our snowpack this week. Cold temperatures and battling winds have been present throughout the week and have left us with stiff and stubborn wind slabs across the area. The effects of the wind are easy to see right now and the problem is widespread. With time these slabs have gained strength and become more difficult to trigger, but they are far from bomb-proof as of now. High pressure  and westerly winds will dominate the weather this weekend until a round of moisture rolls into the area late Sunday with warmer air. We can expect to see some modest amounts of snow early next week above 5,000' which should improve the riding conditions at upper elevations next week. 

I would still be cautious in sheltered terrain at elevations between 5,500' and 6,500' on northerly aspects. If there is a place to trigger a stiff and dangerous slab right now, that is where you will likely find it.  If you take the time to dig into the snow on northerly aspects you will likely see a thin grey line in the snowpack. If you are finding this layer I would be wise to stick to lower angle terrain (less than 30 degrees).

Last but not least! Our Education Coordinator has some fantastic course offerings in the realm of avalanche education and backcountry first aid. Check them out via the link below and remember that "luck favors the prepared!"

https://www.idahopanhandleavalanche.org/friends-ipac-avalanche-safety-courses

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