Lawinenlagebericht

Whitefish Range

Flathead Avalanche Center
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Lawinengefahr

Mon
Hochgebirge
2 · Mässig
Waldgrenze
2 · Mässig
Unterhalb
1 · Gering
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Kernpunkte

We are in the midst of a wet loose avalanche cycle that may become more widespread today. The snow surface on slopes unaffected by yesterday's heat will become more dangerous as the day warms. Pay attention to changing conditions and move to a different aspect or lower-angle slope if you find yourself sinking into mushy snow. 

We will issue our last daily Avalanche Forecast of the season this Monday, April 6th. General Avalanche Information updates will be issued on Tuesdays and Fridays through May 1.  

Lawinenprobleme

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Hochgebirge
    • Waldgrenze
    • Unterhalb der Waldgrenze
    Wahrscheinlichkeit
    Unlikely
    Größe
    2–3

    The well-advertised persistent weak layer still dictates our travel advice at upper elevations on slopes facing northwest to northeast to southeast. Fortunately, it is buried under supportable crusts and thick slabs that limit a rider's ability to impact this layer. The exception to this will be on slopes with varying snow depths, such as those on wind-swept terrain or areas peppered with rocks.

    Generally, a large trigger is needed to initiate a slide, such as a falling cornice succumbing to today's warmth. 

    The safest option remains avoiding the slopes where this problem exists. If you decide to ride in this terrain, choose slopes with a deep homogeneous snowpack where you limit the chance of affecting this layer.  

  • Loose Wet

    • Hochgebirge
    • Waldgrenze
    • Unterhalb der Waldgrenze
    Wahrscheinlichkeit
    Possible
    Größe
    1–2

    Saturday's warm temperatures and sunshine triggered a round of wet avalanches in the bountiful snow from earlier in the week. Last night's poor refreeze, combined with today's higher temperatures and less cloud cover, will initiate further wet loose slides. Expect slopes that escaped yesterday's activity, particularly terrain on more shaded aspects, to be affected. The past week's dense, heavy snow rests on a stout, slick crust that may allow slides to travel farther than anticipated.

    It may not take long for this morning's thin surface crust to break down and wet snow avalanche activity to begin. Water dripping from tree branches or peeling off rock outcroppings is one of the first signs of warming. Fresh rollerballs indicate the snow surface is weakening and is a precursor to the onset of wet loose slides. A rider should expect to trigger a slide on any steep slope where the surface snow is wet.

    Avalanche activity may begin earlier today, requiring an earlier start and adhering to the principle of staying ahead of the sun and moving to a shaded aspect or a lower slope angle as the day heats up. Plan ahead so you are not stuck traveling beneath slopes sizzling in the afternoon heat. If you find yourself sinking into manky snow, you should probably just call it a day.

     

     

    (4/4/2026)

    Wet Loose slides were witnessed in Broken Leg Bowl. The lookers' right and middle slid at 1700 +- a few minutes. Larger slides later in the evening overran these slides.

    Photo: Chris Gotschalk

Avalanche Discussion

Small wet avalanche activity began on Friday and became more widespread with yesterday's warming and strong solar input. The temperature will continue to warm today, leading to natural slides on slopes not affected by yesterday's strong April sun. This includes large portions of the Flathead Range and Glacier Park, where cloud cover lingered more than in the Swan and Whitefish Ranges.

A long-time observer had the pleasure of watching two good-sized (D2) wet loose slides run around 5:00 p.m. yesterday on the west side of the Swan Range (observation). By late evening, the slides witnessed had been overrun by even larger slides, and wet avalanches were noted in almost every patch of snow on solar aspects. A frequent observer visited 6996 (Sub-Shields) in southern Glacier Park and observed wet loose slides on multiple adjacent peaks (observation). 

With few recent observations, we have uncertainty about snow totals from last week in the Flathead Range and Glacier Park. We assume yesterday's cloud cover limited warming of the snow surface, and therefore, we are keeping the avalanche danger Considerable at upper elevations in that zone. 

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This week—our last week of daily forecasts for the 2025–26 winter—we’re highlighting people, teams, and organizations that have contributed notably to Flathead Avalanche’s work and products, and supported the forecast team through a challenging and, hopefully, unusual winter.

Whitefish Mountain Resort:

WMR has been a long-time supporter and operational partner of the FAC. They provide lift access and classroom space for FAC staff, FOFAC educators, and students. We appreciate the enthusiasm shown for the long-running grade school education programs provided for students and their parents. Their support of multiple Flathead Valley non-profits and community organizations is greatly appreciated. They are indeed a wonderful neighbor.

Whitefish Mountain Resort Professional Ski Patrol (WMRPSP)

This organization has been running wrecks and avalanche control routes while keeping the public safe since 1947. The Patrol Fund has been providing avalanche education to the Valley residents for over a decade through Level 1 and 2 classes. They very generously offer scholarships for avalanche and medical classes to deserving members of the community. FAC staff appreciate the daily snowpack, weather, and avalanche updates provided throughout each winter season, as well as the wonderful hospitality they show to our staff. We are grateful for their service and for the fact that we can count on them when the going gets tough. Hats off to a great group of dedicated professionals!

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