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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Out of date — this forecast expired 6 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

A little blast of new snow and some milder temperatures will make getting out a little more enjoyable this week! Keep in mind though, the last few weeks have been some of the deadliest in recent histroy for avalanche related accidents, and we are still seeing one the main culprits of many of these accidents buried in our local snowpack. This layer of surface hoar is appearing stubborn to trigger, however, recent reports of collapsing and cracking are showing that it is still a distinct possibility! It is still a good time to be careful in terrain selection and choose lower angle and lower consequence slopes.

Avalanche problems

  • Persistent Slabs

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

    Last weeks cold and clear weather didn't add much to our snowpack, but it did help preserve our layer of surface hoar that is buried near the top of the January rain crust. This pesistent weak layer has been found to be widespread accross our region, and is now lying anywhere from 1 - 3 ft under the surface. Tests and observations have shown this layer to be increasingly stubborn to release, however, if you manage to hit the right spot its possible to unleash something large! Be especially wary of steeper wind protected slopes and if you witness whoomphing or cracking, take that as a sure sign to back off to safer terrain.

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Recent small storms will leave us with around 2-3" of relatively dry and light snow. While forecast southwest winds are expected to be light, keep in mind that ridgetop winds are often higher, and this light new snow will be easily transported and possibly create slabs at higher elevations. If you are travelling at these higher elevations, keep an eye out for chalky dense snow and pillowy looking buildups. While these slides would likely be on the smaller side, they might to take you for a ride through some gnarly terrain, and its possible for them to step down to our persistant weak layer and create much more destruction.

Avalanche Discussion

Little blasts of new snow along with milder temperatures and calm winds in the forecast make this week a little more appealing for getting out! Enjoy and stay safe out there!

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