Avalanche forecast

East Cabinet Mountains

Idaho Panhandle Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

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

The Cabinets and Purcells received 8"-12"+ inches over the weekend, it finally appears to be game on for winter recreation. Avalanche conditions remain moderate at treeline and above. With more snow starting Wednesday we will likely see an increase in avalanche danger. Observations are showing that conditions vary accross the region, so be sure to assess conditions for your particular area and plan routes accordingly.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Winds have shifted from NE to SE and the weekend storm provided plenty of new snow available for transport, so be on the lookout on all aspects. Additional snow and increased SW winds in the near future will likely increase the risk of wind slabs on ridgelines at mid to high elevations. While it is most likely that triggered slabs will produce small slides, there is potential for them to step down deeper in the snowpack and become more powerful. Be on the look out for chalky, pillowy looking snow on slopes near ridgetops, and be aware of your surroundings when making route decisions.

  • Persistent Slabs

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

    Conditions vary accross the region, and observations have shown potential in two different weak layers. In the Keeler area we encountered a grauple layer that is now 2-3' under the surface, and in the Purcells we encountered a new snow interface with nearly indistinguishable surface hoar approximately 1' below the surface. While neither of these layers were extremely sensitive, it could be possible to trigger them. Consolidation of the upper snowpack and increased loading from forecasted snowfall could make these layers more reactive and dangerous in the coming days.

Avalanche Discussion

Snow has come, and snow is on its way! Test pits show that the snowpack is variable across the region, and there is potential to encounter weak layers depending on the location you choose to play. Another storm system is predicted to bring increased winds along with another foot or more of snow Wednesday, so be aware of changing conditions. Significant new snowfall typcially increases avalanche hazards and we could see the danger rise to Considerable later in the week.

While not a hazard yet, we did encounter large standing surface hoar crystals (up to 1") on top of the snowpack at all aspects in the Purcells, once buried these could produce a new weak layer to keep an eye on in specific locations.

The snowpack is getting deeper, but it is still fairly thin on ridgelines and doesn't seem to have a very dense base in many locations, so be wary of rocks and unidentified buried objects!

Regions covered