Avalanche forecast

East Cabinet Mountains

Idaho Panhandle Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Sat
Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
3 · Considerable
Below
2 · Moderate
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Out of date — this forecast expired 6 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

The surface hoar layer is still intact and reactive buried beneath 1.5-3' of snow from the storms last week.  The persistant slab we are dealing with is bonding to itself well, which will cause it to propogate further across slopes and above the trigger.  Don't be fooled by the clear skies and lack of snow the last few days, avalanches are still likely to occur on 25-30° slopes at mid and upper elevations on this weak layer.  This problem will likely stick with us for the next few weeks.  

The second issue we are dealing with is wind-slab at the upper elevations.  Winds were out of the SW for the majority of the week, but transitioned to N-NE with the passing of the cold front yesterday and last night.  Watch for cracking and whoomping on wind-loaded gullies, ridges and above tree-line.

 

Avalanche problems

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Likely
    Size
    1–3

    The persistant slab we are concerned about is 1.5-3' deep across the forecast zone.  It rests on upto 1cm tall surface hoar which is sitting on top of the mid-January rain crust.  It may not be as likely to feel the collapses this weekend as the snowpack has had a few days to settle, but this layer will remain very reactive to human triggers throughout the next week or 2 at least.  Our current snowpack is not typical for our area, so it is important to be vigilant and stay off steep slopes and away from run-out areas.  Intact surface hoar has a tendency to propogate and be triggered remotely so be aware of what is above you and where other skiers and riders might be in relation to you.  Check out the observations page to learn about some of the close calls that have occured this week.

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Winds were out of the SW throughout the week, but with the passage of the cold-front last night they switched to N-NE 15-20mph, so expect to find pockets of wind-slab at the upper elevations on West, Southwest and East aspects.  These soft slab pockets will be easily triggered.  Watch for cracking, hollow snow and wind ripples on the snows surface.

Avalanche Discussion

It's cold out there folks!  Your biggest concern the next few days should be exposure.  Make sure you have plenty of clothes and have a solid rescue plan if someone gets injured.  Yesterday the temperature in the Purcells was -9° with strong winds out of the N.  I'm guessing the wind-chill was close to 40 below on the ridgetop.  Under these conditions frostbite and hypothermia can set in very quickly.  An accident can turn into a disaster immediately with the current weather conditions we are experiencing.  

The issues we are seeing with the surface hoar layer are going to be a concern for a long time, so be patient and stick to the low angle terrain.  The snow is great in the trees and on low-angle terrain.  Don't let your guard down becuase it's a bluebird day!

Check out the observations page to learn about some of the close calls that have occured this week.  Play it safe this weekend and stay warm!

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