Avalanche forecast

East Cabinet Mountains

Idaho Panhandle Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Wed
Alpine
4 · High
Treeline
4 · High
Below
3 · Considerable
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Out of date — this forecast expired 4 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

Dangerous conditions exist due to recent heavy snow and rain loading. Travel in and around avalanche terrain is not recommended. If you must be out, avoid being on or below slopes steeper than 30 degrees. Also avoid crossing runout paths in drainages below avalanche terrain, as now is the time that those could run  heavy and far.

Avalanche problems

  • Wet Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Very Likely
    Size
    1.5–3

    The recent storm has brought with it 10"- 22" of new snow which is now being followed up with heavy rains at all but the highest elevations. This new snow is not well bonded to the underlying snowpack and the rain on top will increase loading stress and turn powder into a heavy wet slab. A wet slab may consist of just the new snow layer, but if the moisture creeps deep enough, it has potential to release on deeper layers and become very large.

  • Loose Wet

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

    At mid to lower elevations, heavy rain on new snow and warmer temperatures has increased the likelihood of wet loose slides. Keep and eye open for natural sluffs and slides, and stay away from steeper slopes and terrain traps such as concave slopes and gullies .

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    2–3

    Our persistant weak layers of surface hoar and/or facets that vary across our region now have significant increased loading and are now buried deeper in the snowpack. If these layers are triggered, they will run large and be destructive. The weak layers are more preserved on open northern and eastern slopes near treeline, so it is wise to give these slopes a wide berth.

Avalanche Discussion

On Monday,  multiple natural slides were noted by observers accross our region. Overnight, our snow level has risen, and significant rain is expected at all but the highest elevations over the next few days. Natural avalanche activity has been noted to be high, and is expected to increase through today as our regions receives more rain. 

Conditions are dangerous, and travel in and around the backcountry is bound to be a difficult sweaty slog, so now is a good time to avoid it.

Regions covered