Avalanche forecast

East Cabinet Mountains

Idaho Panhandle Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

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Out of date — this forecast expired 2 years ago.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

Highlights

A stout crust layer has created generally stable snowpack conditions across the Kootenai at all elevations. Avalanche instabilities will be limited to small pockets of wind slab that may be triggered above tree line in "extreme" terrain. Take a hard look before committing to steep lines with high consequences. Sunny skies and warmer temperatures will be present during the weekend. Expect to see wet loose avalanches on the snowpack surface on Saturday and Sunday.

This will be the last "Avalanche Advisory" of the season.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely
    Size
    1

     A nice shot of fresh snow is covering a very thick and stout crust layer. The fresh snow is observed to be well bonded to this crust layer in most locations. On Thursday we observed moderate winds out of the southwest transporting new snow onto leeward slopes and creating small pockets of wind slab that may be triggered in very steep terrain (over 40 degrees).

     Wind loading dissipates quickly as you drop away from locations close to ridgeline. Avalanches triggered will be small and unlikely to bury you, but these slabs will have the potential to take you for a scary ride in steep and exposed terrain. You can stay out of harm's way by avoiding steep chutes and depressions that have been loaded below ridgelines. 

Avalanche Discussion

There really isn't a whole lot to talk about right now with our current snowpack. The last warm and sunny spell of weather has created one heck of a crust layer that is bridging over the deeper instabilities in the snowpack. This creates a scenario where triggering an avalanche is unlikely, as mentioned above the surface snow is really what you will want to keep an eye on. The potential to trigger avalanches will mostly be limited to skiers going after steep objectives and terrain that a snowmobiler is unlikely to find themselves in. So, if you are one of those skier types waiting for the big line to come into condition, take a minute to assess for the potential of triggering a small pocket of wind slab, and the consequences of doing so. On Saturday we will see a change in weather pattern as sunny skies prevail through mid-week. Anticipate more spring like problems going into the weekend as the sun pokes out and temperatures start to climb. Overnight temperatures are predicted to be low enough to create a good freeze-thaw cycle at upper elevations.

Well, today will be the last forecast of the season. Clicking publish on the last forecast always feels like a pretty big relief, this year even more so. Big thanks to all of you who submitted observations, made donations, or volunteered your time. 

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