Avalanche forecast

Whitefish Range

Flathead Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Thu
Alpine
1 · Low
Treeline
1 · Low
Below
1 · Low
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Out of date — this forecast expired 7 months ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

Generally stable avalanche conditions exist. Expect tough travel conditions due to surface crusts. A dusting of new snow should not be enough to change the avalanche conditions.

Avalanche problems

  • Persistent Slabs

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

    It is unlikely to trigger an avalanche on buried weak layers 1 to 3 feet deep. Surface crusts reduce the likelihood that your weight will collapse the weak layer. The upper snowpack has become weak and faceted, altering the properties of the slab.

    You can reduce your group's exposure by riding steep slopes one at a time. Position partners in safe locations while the other rides or descends steep terrain.

    (1/16/2026)

    This large, natural slab avalanche in Skyland (Slippery Bill Mtn - NE - 7300' - D3). This failed sometime in early-mid January. 

    Photo: Michael Reavis

Avalanche Discussion

Skiers and riders continue to report challenging travel conditions and sub-par riding. It appears mountain travel right now is driven by desperation for adventure, rather than by any actual desire for quality riding. Crusts, facets/surface hoar, and more crusts make up the upper snowpack. 

1 to 3 inches of new snow will fall today. West and southwest winds will strengthen and transport this new snow into fresh slabs. Although slabs will be thin and relatively harmless, I expect they will be immediately sensitive due to the weak snow and smooth crust they will form on. Test the sensitivity of freshly drifted snow by utlizing inconseqential test slopes with a spotter. 

Hard surfaces have created slide-for-life conditions. Assess the consequences of a slip-and-fall before committing to steep terrain.

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