Avalanche forecast

Bitterroot

West Central Montana Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

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

Triggering small wind slabs in isolated terrain at upper elevation will be possible today, but these slabs will be small and unlikely to be large enough to bury a person. Even small avalanches can be dangerous if they carry you through rocky or extreme terrain. If you see blowing snow or shooting cracks, avoid avalanches by sticking to terrain less than 30 degrees in slope angle. 

Otherwise, avalanche danger is low and triggering a larger avalanche is unlikely. 

Avalanche danger could reach Moderate in the Rattlesnake and far northern Bitterroot if the moisture that is forecast to hit the Missions/Flathead area  shifts south. If you find fresh wind slabs 6 inches deep or more, be more conservative with your travel plans as larger avalanches would be possible. 

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–1.5

    1-2 inches of new snow is available for transport today at upper elevations. Overnight winds were light, but expect a slight increase in wind speeds today and fresh wind slab formation on east aspects. While these slabs are unlikely to bury you, they could take you for a ride that results in injury or broken equipment. Little or no snow fell at mid and lower elevation and wind slabs are unlikely once you get off ridgelines. 

    These wind slabs should be easy to identify from their smooth rounded appearance or shooting cracks. If you see these, avoid the problem through avoidance and stick to slopes less than 30 degrees. 

Avalanche Discussion

While there is not enough new snow on top of the buried surface hoar to create a persistent slab problem, observations have shown that across all forecast zones, the surface hoar that formed during January is preserved and buried under 2-5 inches of snow. We will continue to monitor this layer as snow accumulates but as of now, we are expecting this layer to stick around and a tricky persistent slab problem to develop in the future. As you travel around the mountains, dig in the snow and keep track of where you are finding buried surface hoar. If we develop a slab on top of this, we will all need to change our mindset from low danger to conservative travel and more dangerous avalanche conditions. 

Glide cracks have opened up on isolated slopes throughout the region. Glide avalanches are highly unpredictable, and avoidance is the answer. If you see open glide cracks, do not travel underneath them. 

We received our vehicle support from the Forest Service this week and plan to begin fieldwork and forecasting for the Seeley lake area next week. If you are in the Seeley area Wednesday (February 4th), we will be doing an Avalanche Awareness class/ Meet the Forecasters hosted by Montana Scenic Trails. Reach out to Montana Scenic Trails for more information or to register. 

Avalanche education is a lifelong journey built on developing sound judgment, gaining experience, and applying repeatable decision-making systems in the backcountry. Our American Avalanche Association (A3) recognized Level 1, Rescue, and Level 2 courses are offered throughout the winter and help you travel smarter in avalanche terrain. Explore current courses and registration on the Education page. 

Please continue to submit observations and ski and ride safe!

Regions covered