Avalanche forecast

Flathead Range & Glacier NP

Flathead Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

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Out of date — this forecast expired 2 years ago.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

Highlights

Today's avalanche hazard is directly related to how much snow falls throughout the day. Stormy weather overnight formed slabs of wind-drifted snow that will become easier for a rider to trigger as the new snow accumulates. The danger will increase as you gain elevation. 

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Another round of snow and wind formed a fresh batch of slabs overnight. Stormy weather will allow these features to thicken and increase their distribution throughout the day. They will form on various surfaces, including recent low-density snow, scoured hard windboard, crusts, or hard and soft slabs of varying ages. 

    Today's blowing snow points in the direction of slab formation. Dune-shaped or pillow-like features and a rippled or scalloped surface indicate the wind has been at work. These form near ridgelines and cross-loaded areas such as gullies, behind tree islands, or rock outcroppings.

    Slabs can be identified by a denser snow surface, which may crack beneath your or your machine's weight, indicating you have found a sensitive slab. Slopes sheltered from the wind will generally be a safer option. However, slabs may form in the newly fallen snow in areas favored by snowfall but unaffected by the wind. Choose lower-angle terrain to limit being surprised.

    (12/27/2024)

    An airblast (4#s of explosives on pole) triggered this hard slab avalanche on a steep, convex, northeasterly, upper elevation slope. 

    Photo: David Kerner

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    2–3

    The weak layer formed in early December is now buried 2-3+ feet deep. There may be another problematic weak layer near a crust closer to the surface, which had propagating results on Friday.  This weekend's storm cycle will add weight to buried weak layers, possibly leading to natural or triggered slides. These will be more likely in areas favored by snowfall or wind-loading.

    Most avalanche activity on the early December buried weak layer has been generally limited to north and east-facing slopes.  These slopes will be getting tested the most with today's wind-drifted snow.

    For a safer experience, choose lower-angle terrain or stick to a south or southwest aspect where the weak layer is not as well developed. 

    (12/24/2024)

    Recent natural avalanches on the lee side of the Flathead range show the lingering hazard of triggering large avalanches that break deep in the snowpack 

    Photo: Michael Reavis

Avalanche Discussion

After a series of underproducing storms, hopefully, the current storm that arrived Friday afternoon will produce as forecast. As of 0400, Noisy Basin in the Swan Range has been favored with 0.9" of SWE and 6" of snow. Most mountain stations report 2-5" overnight, with several more inches expected today. This snow accumulates on several inches of snow that have fallen over the past few days.

We have increased the avalanche danger rating to reflect new and forecasted snow totals. If today's snowfall totals fall short of expectations, we may not reach Level 3 or CONSIDERABLE danger in the Whitefish Range, Flathead Range, and Glacier Park. If the storm overproduces, we may have a higher avalanche danger at mid-elevations than expected. Either way, approach today with a mindset of finding new snow avalanche problems developing throughout the day.

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Events and Education:

Want to start your New Year on the right foot? Sign up for a Partner Rescue Clinic for motorized Riders on January 4. Check out our calendar for other upcoming events. 

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