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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Out of date — this forecast expired 4 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

Human triggered avalanches remain possible on our "persistent weak layer" near the base of the snowpack.  You can avoid triggering this monster by avoiding steep and open terrain at treeline and above. Incoming snow and wind today will cause avalanche danger to rise by Wednesday morning. Cold air and dangerous windchills are forecasted for the area this week, keep this fact in mind when you are making decisions and remember that getting injured or stuck in the mountains can create a dire situation!

Avalanche problems

  • Persistent Slabs

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

    Weak and sugary snow buried on a crust layer near the base of the snowpack continues to be on my radar as a potential threat. This layer is unlikely to be triggered in the Cabinet Mountains. In the Purcell Range however it is still there and it is possible you can trigger an avalanche on this deep weak layer. Steer clear of steep terrain that lacks vegetation to anchor the snowpack, areas where the snow is thinner such as south and westerly facing terrain may be the  most sensitive to human triggers.

  • Loose Dry

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

    The upper 1-2 feet of the snowpack on the Kootenai is light and cold! If you drop into very steep terrain it is likely that loose dry snow will be flowing down the hill with you. Though not as dangerous as a slab avalanche, it is worth bearing in mind as you cannot afford to get injured or lose control of your day in this kind of weather scenario.

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Yesterday we did not observe any wind or wind slab issues developing. Today however will bring snowfall and winds increasing out of the northeast. This will cause windslabs to develop on aspects where you would not expect them under our typical weather patterns. Anticipate windslabs to develop and become a problem by Tuesday afternoon and into Wednesday as the storm rolls through. Highest snowfall totals are forecasted for the West Cabinets and will diminish as you travel north towards the Purcells.

Avalanche Discussion

On Monday Nate Stephens and I travelled to Canuck Peak via Spread Creek. It was cold, and the snow was deep. Even with skis on we were sinking up to our thighs in the snow. The biggest challenge is staying warm and keeping clear vision with all the cold smoke powder billowing around as you snowmobile or ski down the hill. You can view a quick summary in the video below. Avalanches are always a concern when playing in the mountains during the winter, but in all honesty the incoming weather is my biggest concern today (lots of snow, wind and subzero temperatures). Keep your saftety margins dialed in, and if you really want to stay safe just stay home and keep the fire going.

Lastly, there is still room in IPAC's Level 1 motorized avalanche classe! Follow the link for details: https://www.idahopanhandleavalanche.org/friends-ipac-avalanche-safety-courses

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