Avalanche forecast

East Cabinet Mountains

Idaho Panhandle Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Sat
Alpine
4 · High
Treeline
3 · Considerable
Below
3 · Considerable
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Highlights

Strong winds and recent snow have created dangerous avalanche conditions. Human triggered avalanches are very likely in steep and open terrain. You can avoid triggering an avalanche today by choosing lower angle terrain (less than 30 degrees).  Terrain that is sheltered from the winds will have the safest riding and the best snow conditions today.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Recent snow that fell on Monday and Tuesday has been pushed around by strong north-easterly winds and formed cohesive slabs of snow in open terrain on all aspects and elevations above 4,500' roughly. Slopes below ridgelines, chutes, and steep, open terrain are the places where triggering an avalanche will be very likely today. The most dangerous locations will be south and west aspects, particularly above treeline where the snow is deep and the winds are strong. Wind slabs below treeline will be a concern only in large and steep openings at elevations roughly above the 4,500' mark. On Thursday while travelling near the Montana/Idaho border we were able to easily initiate slabs with the snowmobiles.(see photo)

  • Persistent Slabs

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

    Facets above the January 13th rain crust are still showing signs of weakness at upper elevations on aspects with a thinner snowpack.  On Thursday we were still seeing propagation in this layer on a southerly aspect at 5,300' of elevation. On north and easterly aspects this layer can be found, but is not showing much potential for failure. With cold temperatures present this weak layer will continue to remain a problem. In most locations, it is buried approximately 2 feet below the surface and will have enough volume to kill or injure a person if triggered. Triggering this layer is a low-likelihood, but high consequence scenario. Avoid large open slopes that have a thin snowpack, this will minimize your exposure to this problem.

Avalanche Discussion

This week on the Kootenai we have seen a roller coaster ride of weather conditions. On Monday Nate travelled into the West Cabinets and was rained on at lower elevations. The storm eventually transitioned into snow with cold temperatures and winds switching to the north. On Wednesday I was able to sneak into the East Cabinets and found some bitter cold conditions and moderate winds out of the north at upper elevations. Wind slabs were forming and becoming reactive under skis while travelling on all aspects in open terrain. Snow conditions consisted of 4-5" of low density powder on a firm base up to around 4,500' roughly, at that point the snow starts to get deeper and wind slabs become more prevalent and reactive.  South and west aspect were being loaded by the north-easterly winds and easily triggered near ridgelines. Thursday we venutured up to the Idaho/Montana border country south of Trout Creek, MT and north of Kellog, Idaho. We found similiar conditions, although it was colder and the winds had increased on Thursday. The wind slabs were becoming thicker and more dangerous. We were able to easily trigger small slabs on road cuts with our machines that propagated in the new snow where affected by the winds. 

I will wrap this up with a short and simple take-home message for the upcoming weekend. The current snowpack is dangerous in steep and open terrain; but, there is some great riding out there in sheltered timber. Choose to ride in lower angle terrain sheltered by the trees and you will avoid avalanches while having a pretty good time.

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