Avalanche forecast

East Cabinet Mountains

Idaho Panhandle Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Wed
Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
3 · Considerable
Below
2 · Moderate
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Highlights

A continuous week of storm snow and strong winds has created slabs of snow that are still likely to be triggered by riders in steep terrain. Steep chutes and slopes below ridgelines that have been loaded by snow should be avoided as they remain sensitive. Avalanche danger above tree line in the East Cabinets is on the upper end of Considerable, any avalanches triggered will be large and unlikely to be survived. Play it safe today and give the snowpack some time to settle this week before venturing back out into steep and open terrain.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    On Monday March 4th the Cabinet Mountains received another 6-10" of fresh snow accompanied by gusty south and westerly winds through out the day. This new snow and wind loading is more weight and stress added to a snowpack that has been continuously loaded by storms since last Tuesday. On Monday we observed wind slabs and loading occurring at all elevations in terrain that was open and exposed to the winds. During our climb up through low angle timber we witnessed an adjacent avalanche path run that we believe to be triggered by wind loading. The avalanche ran full path to the edges of the trees and buried a thick field of alder that was sticking out of the snow 10-15 feet high prior to the avalanche releasing.  Conditions will remain dangerous today in steep terrain with human triggered avalanches likely on steep and wind loaded slopes. Today is a good day to avoid steep terrain and pay very close attention to where you take breaks. If exposing yourself to run-out zones, pass through quickly as any avalanches that are triggered have the potential to run far at this time.

     

    (3/4/2024)

    SS-N-R4-D4-U avalanche in East Cabinets. Likely triggered by wind loading. Ran to edge of timber and nearly maximal path length.

    Photo: Ben Bernall

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    2–3.5

    With the recent storms we have buried weak layers within the snowpack that consist of melt-freeze crusts and buried surface hoar that may set the stage for larger avalanches to be produced as the recent storms have created a cohesive slab overlying these weak layers.  These weak layers are mostly a concern at tree line and above as the warm temperatures and rain last Thursday have created a strong crust in the snowpack below 5,200' in elevations. The potential for avalanches that are triggered in the new storm snow layer could easily step down to a deeper weak layer and produce large and destructive avalanches.

Avalanche Discussion

As many of you have may heard we have had another avalanche fatality within in the Selkirk Range on March 1st. He leaves behind an amazing family and so many friends that will miss him dearly. He shared with us all so much knowledge, experience and laughter over the years.

We are not releasing details yet as an investigation is ongoing but will be published as soon as possible.  

 

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