Avalanche forecast

East Cabinet Mountains

Idaho Panhandle Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Wed
Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
3 · Considerable
Below
2 · Moderate
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Highlights

Recent rain and continued warm temperatures have created heightened avalanche conditions at all elevations.  Wet snow avalanches remain likely to trigger in steep terrain.  It is still possible to trigger an avalanche 1-3 foot deep in the Purcell’s and East Cabinets.  Avoid travel on or below avalanche paths and runout zones today if the sun is out or the air temperature is warm.

Avalanche problems

  • Loose Wet

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

    With continued warm air temperatures and saturated surface snow wet snow avalanches remain likely to human triggers in steep terrain at all elevations.  The likelihood of triggering a wet snow avalanche will increase on solar aspects when the sun pokes out but remains possible on all aspects.  If triggered, they have potential to run long distances and entrain a large amount of heavy snow. Conservative terrain selection and avoidance of overhead hazard including large open slopes and confined runout zone’s is recommended when the air temperature warms, or the sun is affecting the snow surface.

  • Persistent Slabs

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

    Persistent weak layers consisting of crusts and facets are buried 1-3 feet deep in the Purcell’s and East Cabinets.  Recent rain and continued warm temperatures are adding stress to these weak layers and increasing the likelihood of triggering a large avalanche.  This problem can be found widespread above 5500’ in the Purcell’s.  In the East Cabinets these weak layers have been observed on northerly aspects above 5500’ but there is uncertainty in its distribution here.  It’s worth digging in the snow to look for these layers before committing to any consequential terrain.

Avalanche Discussion

This weekend’s rain and above normal temperatures has created a wet mostly saturated upper snowpack.  Numerous wet loose avalanches (size 1.5-2) that released naturally over the last few days were observed yesterday.  The continuation of above normal temperatures for the next few days will prolong the potential for wet loose avalanches in steep terrain and slopes affected by the sun.  Snow at lower elevations has been greatly reduced by recent rain and warm temperatures and will not have potential to entrain nearly as much snow as at upper elevations.  Caution is still warranted given poor riding conditions, ground hazards near the surface and potential for exposure to overhead hazard such as beneath steep open slopes and confined runout zones.

Persistent weak layers present in the East Cabinets and Purcell’s will be stressed by the additional weight and should be treated with caution.  While there is some uncertainty as to their distribution, these layers have been failing with moderate force in propagation tests and we are taking the approach that they are present until proven dormant.  The persistent weak layer has been absent in the West Cabinets where the middle and lower snowpack is strong and well bonded and is significantly deeper than in the other two ranges.

Regions covered