Avalanche forecast

East Cabinet Mountains

Idaho Panhandle Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Sun
Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low
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Highlights

Steep terrain at treeline and above is where the avalanche problem can be found today. Triggering a wind slab avalanche is possible at upper elevations on north and east aspects, directly below ridgelines, cliff bands and steep chutes where the new snow has been loaded by recent winds. You can avoid the avalanche problem today by avoiding steep terrain above treeline.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Recent snow and moderate to strong winds out of the southwest have created cohesive slabs directly below ridgeline.  On north and east facing terrain below ridgelines the snow was hammered by winds last week, which created a firm bed surface. New wind slabs are resting on this firm surface and may be easily triggered today at upper elevations.  Triggering a wind slab can be easily avoided by steering clear of steep terrain (steeper than 35 degrees) on north and east aspects. These wind slabs will be thicker and more reactive as you gain elevation. If you are venturing into the high peaks of the Cabinets, I would be especially conservative when making terrain choices.

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely
    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. Last week were seeing propagation in this layer on south and west aspects near treeline and the Flathead Avalanche Center has seen natural avalanches occur recently on this same week layer. On north and easterly aspects this layer can be found, but is not showing much potential for failure.  In most locations, it is buried approximately 2-3 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 to minimize your exposure to this problem. The other persistent weakness we are seeing in the snowpack consists of a graupel layer that is very prevalent in the East Cabinets but has yet to produce concerning results.

Avalanche Discussion

Our current snowpack is actually quite stable below treeline at the moment. There are a couple of weak layers consisting of crusts, facets and graupel layers, but they aren't showing much potential to cause an avalanche problem. Our current avalanche issues are really close to the surface right now and can be easily managed. The new snow we have is coming in nice and light, which makes for great riding and reduces the likelihood of developing slabs. The new snow is only causing avalanche concerns in locations where it is exposed to the strong winds, as it is being transported and packed into cohesive slabs at upper elevations. With all of the wind at upper elevations and new snow, it just makes good sense to stay below the treeline and out of the wind where you can ride good powder and the conditions are much safer (and less miserable) today.

Friday night we picked up another 2-4" of new snow across the area. Our current forecast is predicting an arctic intrusion that will bring cooler temperatures and winds shifting to the easterly direction. Minimal moisture will be present the next few days. With the change in wind direction, we may see a bit of snow transported to the westerly aspects on Sunday and Monday and the potential to create small wind slabs on west aspects. March is here and we are still riding good powder! Get out and enjoy it, just avoid steep terrain that has been loaded by the winds.

 

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