Avalanche forecast

East Cabinet Mountains

Idaho Panhandle Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Wed
Alpine
1 · Low
Treeline
1 · Low
Below
1 · Low
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Out of date — this forecast expired 3 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

The Kootenai snowpack remains thin and generally stable at most locations. The chances of hitting a buried obstacle in the snowpack remains the primary threat to your safety while riding in the backcountry. Some weakness can be found on the December 7th rain crust at elevations above tree line on north aspects of the Cabinets.  

Avalanche problems

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely
    Size
    1.5–2

    Weak and sugary snow developing on the December 7th rain crust can be found at elevations above 7,000' on northerly aspects. This weak layer is found in sporadic locations in higher terrain and will likely be difficult to trigger due to the rain crust near the snowpack surface. Steep and planar (smooth and open) slopes at upper elevations of the East Cabinets are where you may find and trigger this layer. If you are venturing into the high country to ride big and committing terrain, you will want to take the time to assess the presence of this layer before committing.

    Photo: Ben Bernall

Avalanche Discussion

Not much has changed in our weather or snow conditions since our last forecast. There are a few inches of fresh snow just begging to be ridden at tree line and above on north and east aspects.  Snow conditions on the south and west aspects are becoming thin at tree line and above due to the mild temperatures and sunshine. The National Weather Service is predicting a pattern change starting on Thursday with pulses of mountain snowfall predicted through the weekend and into early next week. Details are always tough to pin down that far ahead in a weather forecast, so stay tuned and keep your fingers crossed. Observations from New Years Day in the West Cabinets can be seen in the video below.

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