Avalanche forecast

East Cabinet Mountains

Idaho Panhandle Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Sat
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
1 · Low
Below
1 · Low
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Out of date — this forecast expired 4 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

Stable snowpack conditions are present across the Kootenai; however, there is still potential to trigger a persistent weak layer in specific locations. The weak layer consists of weak and sugary crystals resting on the rain crust that developed January 13th. The potential to trigger this layer is limited primarily to south-westerly aspects that are steep, convex and harboring a thin snowpack. Steep and exposed terrain at upper elevations should be approached with a dose of caution and skepticism.

Avalanche problems

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1.5–3

    Our persistent weak layer consisting of weak and sugary snow crystals resting on the "Lucky Friday" crust layer continues to remain a concern in specific terrain.  We are finding this layer on all aspects at Treeline and above; however, results on north and east facing terrain where the snowpack is thicker were not producing any results that showed avalanche potential this week. Aspects with thinner snowpack however are still producing concerning results (see video in discussion section). The best and safest riding conditions can be found on the north and east facing terrain right now. I would personally avoid big ski objectives or high marking on steep and exposed terrain that faces south or west at upper elevations, especially in the bigger terrain of the East Cabinets. These locations are where the snowpack is thin and more susceptible to human triggers.

Avalanche Discussion

This week we visited the Northwest Peaks area of the Yaak on Monday and ventured into the East Cabinets on Thursday. We have covered alot of ground and elevation this week. In the "avalanche community" we often say that the first sign of avalanche hazard, is avalanches. The lack of recent avalanches is one of the first things that really caught my attention this week, despite touring in some very big and steep terrain on Thursday. The other observation worth noting is the growth of surface hoar on the snowpack. On south and west terrain the winds have done a good job of laying the surface hoar over, in sheltered terrain however it remains standing and could pose a concern when our next round of snow rolls in. Our snowpack stability is really pretty good and the potential to trigger an avalanche is low, if you follow the advice layed out in the "Problem" section above.

So what's coming? Friday we are predicted to see 2-4" of new snow and some gusty winds out of the southwest. We may see some small wind slabs start to develop on the leeward side of ridgelines as the day progresses. Most likely this will be a concern on Saturday. The big thing to watch out for is a major shift in our weather pattern beginning Sunday, which will likely cause a rise in avalanche danger on Monday. The National Weather Service is predicting a return of Ol' Man Winter with 3 days of snowfall wrapping up on Wednesday as a cold front pushes in for the remainder of the coming week. So, dig that big puffy jacket out that you just put away. Winter is back on!

 

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