Avalanche forecast

Flathead Range & Glacier NP

Flathead Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Tue
Alpine
1 · Low
Treeline
1 · Low
Below
1 · Low
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Highlights

Cooler, cloudier conditions will minimize the chance of triggering a large wet snow avalanche. Move to a different slope if you find yourself sinking into wet, mushy snow. If today's incoming storm arrives earlier than expected, small new snow problems may develop later today, primarily in areas of wind-drifted snow.  Monitor new snow totals and wind transport.

Avalanche problems

  • Wet Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely
    Size
    1.5–3

    When meltwater percolates into the snowpack and reaches buried weak layers, a large wet slab avalanche could occur. Multiple wet slabs were noted during last week's heat wave, but we've received no reports of new activity since Tuesday. Recent cooler temperatures have formed surface crusts and slowed the movement of free water, decreasing the chance of a natural or triggered avalanche. However, wet slabs are notoriously difficult to predict, and there remains a significant amount of wet snow beneath the surface, with the potential for a large avalanche still present.

    Although unlikely, riders can trigger a large wet snow avalanche after the surface crust breaks down or in locations where it does not exist.  If you find yourself sinking into a mushy surface, move to a shadier aspect or a lower-angle slope to minimize your chances of initiating a slide. For a natural avalanche to occur, a large trigger, such as a falling block of cornice, is needed to affect the buried weak layers. Continue to be aware of what is above you as you travel through the mountains. 

     

     

    (3/28/2025)

    Wet snow on Red Meadow Peak failed as sluffs and slabs.  Triggering slabs of wet snow is possible where you do not find a supportable surface crust. 

    Photo: Flathead Avalanche Center

Avalanche Discussion

Overnight, temperatures dropped below freezing at all elevations for the second consecutive night. Three upper elevation locations, Link Mountain, Aeneas Ridge, and Snowslip, have remained below 32°F for over 48 hours. This is a welcome change from last week, when readings were above freezing for several days at most mountain weather stations. 

Today's mostly cloudy conditions, coupled with this morning's frozen snow surface, should limit wet snow instabilities, especially at upper elevations. The chance of triggering a slide in wet snow increases at mid-elevations where temperatures have remained warmer and a generally thin, unsupportable crust exists. 

With a change to a more winter-like weather pattern, we removed glide avalanche from the problem list. A dedicated observer noted four glide failures on the Swan Front since March 26 (Image, Image, Image)

A developing storm is expected to deposit several inches of snow across the forecast area by sunset. If this system arrives earlier than expected, new snow problems may develop later this afternoon, primarily at upper elevations where the wind transports snow. Fresh slabs and loose snow should be small and easy to avoid, but monitor new snow totals and wind loading to prevent getting caught off guard.

The storm intensifies tonight into Tuesday, with up to a foot of snow forecasted for the Swan. The avalanche danger is expected to increase overnight and into tomorrow. Plan to mitigate new snow problems over the next couple of days.

Eastern Oregon University is conducting a survey to better understand avalanche safety preparedness among motorized backcountry users. The survey will help us learn more about who is purchasing and practicing with avalanche rescue gear (beacon, probe, shovel) and participating in avalanche education—and why some riders are not. The survey is confidential and anonymous. Your feedback is invaluable in improving avalanche education and awareness. Please take a moment to share your experience and help us make a difference:

https://eoustmhs.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_3L8QKAuZzcxJBLo

 

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