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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Out of date — this forecast expired 5 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

Thursday rolled in with 2-6" of snow area wide and moderate winds out of the southwest. This new snow has drifted into pockets of windslab which may be easily triggered in steep and open terrain on northeasterly facing slopes. Avoid these locations and you will find plenty of good, safe riding on a stable snowpack.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    With moderate winds out of the southwest, new snow has drifted into pockets of windslab in open terrain at treeline and above. My concern are those steep pockets of terrain below ridgelines and open slopes above treeline on north and easterly facing terrain. You may find some spots out there where triggering a small wind slab is likely since this new snow may be resting on  a firm and crusty surface. I would avoid jumping into any terrain over 35 degrees on leeward facing terrain today. Take a close look at the consequences of triggering a small avalanche and going for a ride down the slope when choosing your lines today.

Avalanche Discussion

It's a jungle out there right now in the drainage bottoms. We started the day with an assault on Pete Creek. After cutting our way in for a couple of miles we realized it was time to change directions and head up Spread Creek instead. If you decide to go into the Pete Creek drainage bring a saw, and gas, lots of gas. (see photo below)

For snowpack observations we are looking at a generally stable snowpack across all three mountain ranges that comprise the Kootenai Zone. The primary issues we are looking at involve the new snow being transported and packed into slabs in leeward terrain. Especially concerning is the fact that these small slabs will be resting on firm crust layers that have developed under warmer conditions. We are also seeing some weakness in the snowpack under these crust layers about 8" below the surface. Some weak sugary snow (facets) can be found under the crust, but at this time we are not seeing propagation in stability tests. This weak facet/crust combination is something to monitor and keep in the back of your mind as we progress into the winter. There is also alot of variance in the thickness and distribution of our crust layer across the Kootenai. The crust layer in the Cabinets is much thicker and can be found higher in elevation than in the Purcells. The Purcells have stayed cooler and received less rain on January 12th than the East and West Cabinets.

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