Avalanche forecast

East Cabinet Mountains

Idaho Panhandle Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Wed
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
2 · Moderate
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Out of date — this forecast expired 5 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

This past week we've seen warmer temperatures which has begun the spring-time melt-freeze cycle in the snowpack.  Yesterday the south aspects in the Eastern Cabinets had a thin breakable crust with 1-2 inches of fresh snow on top.  The primary concern in the spring is rapid warming of Southerly aspects which can produce wet slides.  That being said we should have enough cloud cover over the next few days to keep the snow cold and frozen.  The North and East aspects may have better riding conditions, but our deep slab instabiliities are still out there and buried deep which if triggered could produce large avalanches with high consequences.  Continue to make conservative decisions out there folks!

Avalanche problems

  • Loose Wet

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

    The forecast is calling for a mix of cloud cover and sun over the area for the next few days which should keep the snow from warming too much.  If the sun pokes out for a few hours in the afternoon expect wet loose slides to occur on Southerly aspects which could have the potential to step down to the weaker layers buried within the snowpack.  Watch for roller balls and sticky snow and relocate to shaded or low angle terrain if things start warming up.  Wet slides are easy to manage and fairly predicatable if you are paying attention. 

  • Deep Persistent Slabs

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

    There are a couple weak layers buried deep within our snowpack that are becoming more difficult to trigger, but are still reactive with enough force or if a rider happens to hit a thin or weaker area.  If triggered, they will produce large avalanches that are likely to propogate across the entire slope.  Spring-time usually brings a safer snowpack and the opportunity for more adventurous skiing and riding and the ability to push the limits, but this year with problem layers that won't go away play it safe and stay off steep exposed terrain.

Avalanche Discussion

Weather conditions appear to be pretty stagnant over the next few days.  We should have enough cloud cover to minimize the risk of wet slides and not much precipitation in the forecast.  The concerns are loose wet slides if the sun starts baking southerly aspects in the afternoon and the deep weak layers we've been dealing with all winter.  The surface hoar layer is still intact in many areas, so be aware and continue to make conservative choices.  Think about the consequences if you happen to trigger that layer.  While it may be less likely, the risk is still there.  Enjoy the cold snow on Northerly aspects and stay off steep exposed terrain!

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