Avalanche forecast

Bitterroot

West Central Montana Avalanche Center
View on map

Avalanche danger

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Out of date — this forecast expired 3 years ago.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

Highlights

Low avalanche danger does not mean no avalanche danger. While unlikely, you could still trigger a persistent slab avalanche on north aspects at upper elevation in isolated terrain. Dig down, and if you find weak, sugary snow beneath a slab, avoid slopes steeper than 30 degrees.

Avalanche problems

  • Persistent Slabs

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

    Persistent slab avalanches remain unlikely but are not impossible at upper elevations on the north and east aspects. In isolated areas, there is enough of a slab for an avalanche. Distribution of these lingering slabs is inconsistent, so take the time to evaluate where you plan to ski or ride. 

    You may not see red flags like cracking or collapsing in conditions like this. The best way to recognize and avoid this problem is to dig. Look for weak or sugary snow beneath a cohesive slab. If you encounter this poor structure, even if snowpit test results do not show instability, sticking to slopes under 30 degrees is best. 

Avalanche Discussion

1 to 2 inches of snow has fallen since the last avalanche forecast, with most areas getting no new snow. Otherwise, warm temperatures and light winds have been the dominant weather pattern, and this pattern of high pressure will continue today. Light snow is expected tomorrow, and cross your fingers, but we may see a shift in weather by the end of next week. 

Winds at the upper elevation have been light out of the southwest. We have not seen signs of wind slab formation with minimal snow available for transport. Complex terrains like cirques, saddles, and couloirs can create mini wind patterns and wind load even when the surrounding terrain cannot. If you are stepping out into higher consequence or complex terrain, be suspect of isolated wind slabs. 

The snowpack is currently faceted from top to bottom, with a few buried crusts on solar aspects. While the snowpack has multiple weak layers, we lack a consistent and cohesive slab on top. This faceting process will continue through the coming week, further weakening the snow on the ground. While danger is low right now, when we do get a significant storm and build a slab on top of this weak snow, we can expect danger to rise.

The snowpack is also shrinking in all forecast zones, especially at mid-elevations. WCMAC forecasters traveled around the west Seeley zone yesterday. They found not enough snow at mid elevation on any aspect for avalanches. This is consistent with conditions across the Rattlesnake and Bitterroot where avalanche hazard is isolated to upper elevation terrain.

If you decide to get out, watch for rocks, stumps, and logs, as they are the primary hazard. 

Use the calm weather to practice your beacon, avalanche rescue, or first aid skills. When winter does arrive, avalanche danger will likely rise quickly. 

Please consider submitting an observation of what you see in the backcountry. Even a simple photo or a weather description helps forecasters better understand conditions and create more accurate forecasts.

Contact us here if you're interested in volunteering for a field day with the Avalanche Center. This is a unique opportunity to ski or ride with a forecaster and learn or grow your own snow and avalanche skills. 

Ski and ride safe!

 

Regions covered