Avalanche forecast

East Cabinet Mountains

Idaho Panhandle Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

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Out of date — this forecast expired 5 years ago.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

Highlights

Persistent weak layers are present in the upper 1-2 ft of the snowpack near an ice crust. While evidence shows that these weak layers appear to be healing, theres a chance they could be triggered, more so in exposed terrain at higher elevations. There also lies an uncertainty in how the warmer weather and sun may affect the reactivity of these layers. Pay attention to your surroundings and be aware of changing conditions throughout the day.

Avalanche problems

  • Persistent Slabs

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

    Persistent weak layers vary across the region but all are near an ice crust layer in the upper 1-2 ft of snowpack. A buried surface hoar layer above the crust was noted in Tuesdays forecast. Yesterday, in the East Cabinets we did not find surface hoar, but did observe a facet layer between crusts that fully propagated during testing. Evidence shows that both layers are beginning to heal, however; they could be triggered in the right locations. These layers will be more preserved on northerly aspects receiving less solar radiation, and will be more likely to release on exposed slopes with minimal anchor points.

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Despite the warm weather and sun, heavy winds at high elevations are still managing to pick up and transport snow near ridgetops and peaks. If you’re venturing up to the higher reaches, it’s entirely possible to find small pockets of windslab on leeward slopes and cross-loaded in gullies.

Avalanche Discussion

Conditions are looking and feeling a lot like April lately! Travel, both and up down the hills, is a little sloppy and a bit tough going. If you are the type to get going when the going gets tough, you may at least be rewarded with some killer views and some of that elusive Vitamin D.

While there may be a chance of snow at the end of the weekend, it unfortunately does not look like there will be any major weather events or changes in the foreseeable future. On the positive side however, these freeze/thaw conditions should continue to heal our persistent weak layers and further consolidate our snowpack.

Regions covered