Avalanche forecast

Flathead Range & Glacier NP

Flathead Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Mon
Alpine
4 · High
Treeline
4 · High
Below
2 · Moderate
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Out of date — this forecast expired 6 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

Very dangerous avalanche conditions exist. For 9 days straight, riders have triggered avalanches large enough to bury, injure and kill a person. Some of these avalanches were large enough to destroy a wood frame house. If you decide to head into the mountains today, enjoy the new powder snow in non-avalanche terrain. If you have a hard time identifying avalanche terrain, it is best to stay home today.

Avalanche problems

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Likely
    Size
    2–3

    Although the storm has subsided, the avalanche hazard remains elevated due to a persistent weak layer buried up to 3 feet deep. People continue to report avalanches in places that typically don’t slide, like forested slopes and slopes with angles in the low 30s. Recent avalanche activity is our sign to stay off and out from underneath terrain that is 30 degrees or steeper. Fun and safe riding can be found on low angled slopes and open meadows that are not threatened by avalanche hazards above.

    An intentionally triggered Persistent Slab avalanche on a steep road cut.

  • Wind Slabs

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

    New snow and varying winds have stiffened storm snow into a cohesive slab. Slabs may break up to a foot thick and will be thicker and more dangerous near ridgelines where winds drifted new snow. On Saturday, winds shifted to the north. This has drifted snow onto southerly and westerly aspects, which typically get scoured. Be observant of drifted snow in locations you typically aren’t used to. Slopes 30 degrees or less that are sheltered from the wind will be your safest option.

    (2/4/2021) Surface hoar buried 1-2 feet deep

  • Loose Dry

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

    Watch for loose dry avalanches in terrain that is sheltered from the wind. Although loose dry avalanches are a manageable hazard, they can be consequential if they push you into a gully, through trees, or over a cliff band. Manage overhead hazards where these avalanches can release and entrain a surprising amount of snow on their way down. This will be the primary avalanche problem of concern at low elevations. Manage this hazard here with defensive riding tactics by avoiding your sluff on the way down.

    (1/30/2021) The outline of the debris from an unintentional skier triggered slide in the Skyland area.

Avalanche Discussion

We are deeply saddened to report that a snowmobiler was killed in an avalanche in the Swan Range yesterday (Saturday). Our condolences go out to the friends and family of the individual. We will share more information when it becomes available.

The second report of an incident occurred yesterday when a snowmobiler was caught, carried, and luckily not buried or injured. The rider was able to remain on top of the moving debris and came away unscathed.

There is no doubt that conditions are downright dangerous. A student in a motorized level one group yesterday said, “this is the kind of day I stay home and fix my sled.” That is a fine option. However, if you do decide to go out today, there are options for you too. This requires planning and diligence.

Plan your day strategically. Please do not use your familiarity with the terrain as a reason why it is good to go. Before heading out, choose a route where you can get to and from your destination without exposing yourself to large avalanche paths. Be cautious of steep road cuts and convex rollovers above roughly 5000 feet. Remember, many avalanches recently were remotely triggered, which tells us that these avalanches can be triggered from below and far away. Next, be able to identify slope angles and pick terrain where you are certain that you don’t end up riding on or traveling below slopes steeper than 30 degrees. If you can manage your slope angles, you can find good riding conditions in safe terrain today. If you end up in a location that is steep enough to slide, space out, and travel one at a time while keeping your partner in sight.

Temperatures plummeted into the negatives, with wind chill values as cold as -30. Plan accordingly and have a backup plan if you lose equipment, break equipment, or get injured. This will compound any incident.

Regions covered