Bollettino valanghe

East Cabinet Mountains

Idaho Panhandle Avalanche Center
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Pericolo valanghe

Wed
Alta quota
3 · Marcato
Limite del bosco
2 · Moderato
Sotto il limite
1 · Debole
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Non aggiornato — questo bollettino è scaduto 3 years ago. Stai vedendo condizioni passate, non il bollettino in corso.

In sintesi

Dense and heavy snowfall combined with moderate winds out of the southwest has created cohesive storm slabs that will be easily triggered in steep terrain today at elevations above tree line. You can avoid avalanches by steering clear of steep terrain above 5,500' in elevation. Storm slabs will be thicker and more reactive on north and east aspects. 

Problemi valanghivi

  • Storm Slabs

    • Alta quota
    • Limite del bosco
    • Sotto il limite del bosco
    Probabilità
    Likely
    Dimensione
    1–2

    The past 24 hours the mountains of the Kootenai received over 1.8 inches of snow water equivalent (swe). At elevations below 5,500' it has fallen as rain or a rain/snow mix. Above this elevation it is all snow baby! The new snow will get deeper and more reactive as you gain elevation and wind loaded terrain facing north and east will be the most concerning locations today. As the storm passed temperatures plummeted overnight dropping from the mid-thirties to the lower twenties. This weather scenario has left us with a cohesive layer of dense storm snow that is resting on a layer of low-density snow and sun crusts. All the ingredients are there to create reactive conditions at upper elevations today, so give terrain steeper than 35 degrees a wide berth until the new snow has settled. Plenty of good (and safe) riding can be found on lower angle slopes today.

Avalanche Discussion

On Monday, Nate and I toured up to Canuck Peak in the Purcell Range. Our analysis of the snowpack continued to show an overall stable snowpack that produced no concerning results. My concerns in the snowpack continue to remain close to the surface as new storm snow falls and the warm spring sun makes occasional appearances. Temperatures Monday where hovering right around the freezing mark at 7,000' and the new snow was falling on the warm and dense side creating a thin slab on the surface of the snowpack, this thin slab continued to grow in thickness overnight at upper elevations. As we rode out at the end of the day the snow transitioned to rain at about 5,000' and proceeded to rain hard, making for a soggy ride out.

The weather has gone through a lot of changes over the last 24 hours and this should be considered before heading out today. Considering it rained most of the day and night at elevations below treeline, prior to the drop in temperatures, it is likely you will find some crusty conditions in the mountains below tree line. As you begin to climb above 5,000' you are going to find abundant amounts of dense snow that will get deeper and more likely to cause avalanches as you gain elevation.

Lastly, it is March, and the sun is packing serious heat when it comes out. You can expect to see the sun make brief appearances throughout the week, pay attention to the surface of the snowpack on slopes exposed to the sun. If the surface starts to get sticky and loose, it is a sign that you may want to find more shaded terrain to play in. Loose-wet avalanches can be expected to quickly develop this week if the sun pokes out long enough.

 

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