Avalanche forecast

East Cabinet Mountains

Idaho Panhandle Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Sat
Alpine
1 · Low
Treeline
1 · Low
Below
1 · Low
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Out of date — this forecast expired 3 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

Snowpack conditions across the Kootenai remain stable and thin coverage is still the primary concern. It is possible to trigger very small wind slabs above tree line in terrain steeper than 35 degrees. This problem can be managed by avoiding steep slopes and chutes below ridgelines at elevations above 6,500'.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1

    It is possible to trigger a small wind slab in terrain steeper than 35 degrees above tree line today. These small wind slabs can be found just below ridgelines, cross-loaded gullies and the entrances to steep chutes. While travelling in the East Cabinets on Wednesday I was able to trigger small slabs with ski cuts in steep terrain above 6,500' in elevation. Small natural avalanches and wind-loading was observed on the highest peaks. These slabs are unlikely to be large enough to bury a person but still retain the potential to knock a rider or skier off their feet in consequential terrain. Use caution when entering steep terrain above tree line.

Avalanche Discussion

This past week I was able to poke into the West and East Cabinets. I continue to avoid the Purcell Range due to the lack of snow.  Overall, the snowpack stability is really solid since the early December rains have saturated the lower half of the snowpack and locked everything together. I have been finding some isolated pockets where persistent weak layers are present in the snowpack; however, none of them have shown the potential to cause an avalanche on the Kootenai. I was able to find some buried surface hoar 4-7" below the surface on Smith Mountain Thursday in sheltered terrain. Currently it lacks the ingredients to produce an avalanche. There are two things that have my attention regarding the snowpack.

1. Snowpack is thin. I have hit rocks and logs every time I go out. It's a fact of life right now in the mountains and getting injured by an obstacle remains my primary concern. If you choose to go out, choose a partner that will know what to do if you get injured. You should also be that partner that knows what to do. Carry an inReach or radio and acquire some basic first aid training.

2. Finding decent coverage requires you to get up high in elevation. This is also where you may trigger a small wind slab. Pay attention to your route selection and use caution when entering steep terrain and chutes, especially near ridgelines.

 

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