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Avalanche Forecast

Feb 7th, 2025–Feb 8th, 2025
Alpine
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable
Treeline
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be considerable
Below Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate
Alpine
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable
Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
Below Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate
Alpine
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable
Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
Below Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate

Regions: Bull, Elkford West, Flathead, Lizard, Lizard-Flathead, South Rockies.

A weak layer of snow is buried 50 to 70 cm deep and is still producing natural avalanches.

Avoid areas where the surface snow is denser and feels "slabby"

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

  • Thursday: A few large (size 2 to 2.5) natural avalanches were reported on a southeast and east aspects in the alpine.

  • Wednesday: A few small (size 1) natural and rider triggered avalanches were reported in the recent storm snow.

    • A weak layer of snow formed during the cold drought period in January is continuing to produce large natural avalanches in the region. Small wind slab avalanches are being triggered in wind loaded features at all elevations.

Snowpack Summary

35 to 50 cm of soft snow is on the surface, with deeper deposits in wind-loaded areas. Cold temperatures have kept the recent storm snow loose and low density.

Variable wind speeds and directions through the storm and after mean that the extent of wind-affected snow at different aspects and elevations will vary across the region.

This recent snow has not bonded well to the late January drought layer, which includes melt-freeze crusts on sun-exposed slopes, large surface hoar or facets in sheltered areas, and wind-affected snow in exposed terrain at ridgelines.

The lower snowpack is strong and bonded.

Weather Summary

Friday Night

Clear. 10 to 40 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -20 °C.

Saturday

Partly cloudy. 20 to 40 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -13 °C.

Sunday

Partly cloudy. 10 to 30 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -15 °C.

Monday

Mostly sunny. 10 to 20 km/h northeast ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -20 °C.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Use small, low consequence slopes to test the bond of the new snow.
  • Keep in mind that human triggering may persist as natural avalanches taper off.
  • Be careful as you transition into wind-affected terrain.
  • Recent wind has varied in direction, so watch for wind slabs on all aspects.

Avalanche Problems

Wind Slabs

The wind direction may vary greatly across the region, so verify conditions in your area.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 2.5

Persistent Slabs

Human triggered avalanches are likely anywhere that a slab has formed above a weak layer of surface hoar, facets, and/or crust buried at the end of January about 50 to 70 cm deep.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Treeline, Below Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 3