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

After last weeks warmer spring weather, a series of more wintery like storms has delivered variable levels of soft new snow accross our region the last few days. What we have now is anywhere from 2"-14" of new snow sitting on top of a fairly stout melt-freeze crust. While the new snow appears to be bonding well with the crust, sun and warmer temperatures expected today make for an increased possibility of wet-loose slides and sluffs. The East Cabinets received the brunt of the weekend weather, with storm totals of around 14" inches in areas, we noted around 4" of new snow at higher elevations in the West Cabinets. Slides will be possible accross our region, but be particulary cognicant in areas that received the most new snow!

Avalanche problems

  • Loose Wet

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

    Solar radiation along with warmer temperatures today will increase the likelihood of wet-loose slides and sluffs! New snow is expected to warm and become more dense during the day, and there will be potential to release small to large sluffs that ride along the crust layer. Southerly aspects at mid elevations will be the most prone, but they are a possibility on east and west aspects as the temperatures reach their peak in the afternoon.

Avalanche Discussion

If your out playing in the freshies the next few days, your safest (and likely more fun) bet will be to stay on Northerly aspects. Fluctuating high daytime temps and cool nighttime temps should help consolidate the newer snow relatively quickly, however new storms starting on wednesday could potentially bring in enough new snow to start the cycle all over again. It seems like spring always brings us a roller coaster of weather, so enjoy the sun when its out, the new snow whan you can get it, and be keen on the fluctuating daily conditions!

Regions covered