Avalanche forecast

Flathead Range & Glacier NP

Flathead Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Fri
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low
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Highlights

You can trigger thick, hard slabs of wind-drifted snow on steep slopes loaded by Wednesday’s winds. Triggered slabs may result in large avalanches. Avoid hollow-sounding, lens-shaped slopes where you are no longer on a scoured surface, especially where notice cracking in the snow beneath you. 

The avalanche danger will increase tonight as another round of significant snowfall and high winds are expected. 

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    A lot has happened in the last 24 hours. High winds, coupled with several inches of snow, have created 1- to 3-foot thick slabs on steep slopes that collect drifted snow. More snow and moderate winds throughout the day may thicken these  slabs. Most will be hard, so they may be less sensitive to the weight of a rider but can break much wider than expected.

    A good way to clue yourself into places that are the most affected by the wind is to look for lens-shaped drifts and cracking beneath your skis or machine. Fresh cornice growth will be easily recognizable from below, as well as the transition from scoured slopes to ones freshly loaded. Avoid areas immediately below ridgelines and terrain features where you find these common characteristics.

    Wind-drifted areas of snow that break 1-3 feet deep are possible for a skier or rider to trigger today.  Note that areas further downslope than you expect will be impacted by the chaotic winds from yesterday (Wednesday).

    Photo: Mark Dundas, 2023

Avalanche Discussion

Yesterday’s (Wednesday's) whopper of a wind event underproduced snowfall amounts. The Whitefish Range received 3-4 inches of snow and wind gusts in the 90s. The Swan was skunked on snowfall (1 inch) but took the lead with gusts of 96 mph recorded at Aeneas Ridge. Conditions in the Flathead and Glacier National Park zones were slightly tamer with a few inches of snow and gusts in the 80s.

Existing slabs will grow today with moderate wind speeds and 2-5 inches more snow predicted throughout the day. As you gain elevation, you will find deeper and stiffer slabs of freshly drifted snow. Hollow sounds and chalky texture mean wind slab. Scratchy, icy and scoured surfaces equal windward slopes without slabs. Neither surface will make for easy travel, so enjoy deciphering the maze of conditions as much as anything today.

Tonight, we’ll see an increasing danger as wind speeds rise and snow accumulates. Hourly average wind speeds may climb back into the 40s, and overnight snowfall totals are expected to be 5-7 inches. Snow levels will rise to 5500 feet around midnight, dropping by Friday morning. This combo of wind/snow/warm temperatures is a recipe for a natural avalanche cycle. Tomorrow morning an excitement level similar to Christmas for a child will be on tap for people who enjoy seeking out and documenting fresh avalanches.

Regions covered