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

Last week's storm snow has had multiple days to settle and bond, but it does remain possible for a rider to trigger an avalanche today in steep terrain at tree line and above. Minimize your exposure to steep slopes and practice safe travel habits to increase your safety margins today. Avalanche danger will rise on Wednesday and Thursday as another significant storm is forecast to enter the area.

Avalanche problems

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1.5–3

    Last week the area picked up 2-3 feet of new snow that was accompanied by winds that gusted out of a variety of directions. This snow has had time to settle and bond to the older snow and will be stubborn and difficult to trigger in most locations. There are however numerous interfaces within our snowpack right now, especially in the Purcell Range. These layers consist of buried surface hoar, sugary snow resting on older crust layers and density changes under last week's snow. The best travel advice for today is to thoroughly assess snowpack conditions and look for any weak layers that may be present at your location before riding in terrain steeper than 30 degrees. Locations that show signs of previous wind loading are areas you will want to avoid today. Areas that were exposed to last week's winds will be denser and more cohesive on the surface, making them more susceptible to human triggers.

Avalanche Discussion

Monday's bitter cold conditions will begin a transition today as we climb out of the negatives and up into the mid-teens. Tuesday night we will see another storm roll in, bringing heavy snowfall to the mountains through Wednesday. This next storm will likely create some touchy avalanche conditions through the week as the new snow will be resting on last week's layer of lower density snow. With temperatures rising later in the week this has the potential to create some very slabby and reactive conditions at tree line and above. Anytime we see heavy snowfall or wind in the mountains it is strongly advised that you avoid steep slopes for 2-3 days. Following this simple protocol will greatly reduce your chances of triggering an avalanche.

My observations Monday in the East Cabinets revealed that below 5,000' the snow lacks much for layers or a base as we had minimal snow prior to last week's storm. Because of this, the snowpack remains well anchored by vegetation and poses minimal avalanche hazard below tree line. The main hazard at lower elevations is the high likelihood of running into buried logs and rocks.

Lastly, as many of you know we had an avalanche fatality in the Silver Valley Forecast Zone last Thursday. We have conducted an investigation and are working on producing a report that will be posted on our website by the end of the week. Our deepest condolences to those who were involved, their friends and families. Stay safe out there this week.

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