Avalanche forecast

Bitterroot

West Central Montana Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Sat
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Out of date — this forecast expired 7 months ago.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

Small wet loose avalanches will become possible on steep, sunny slopes this afternoon. Move to shaded slopes or away from steep terrain if you see rollerballs or sink into mushy, wet snow. If you decide to step out onto steep slopes today, remember to use safe travel practices, like riding one at a time. Small avalanches can still have serious consequences, especially in extreme terrain. 

Avalanche problems

  • Loose Wet

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

    Peak wet avalanche sensitivity has passed, but small wet loose avalanches will still become possible on steep, sunny slopes this afternoon. Surface melt-freeze crusts will have to break down for wet loose avalanches to occur. Cooler temperatures today will likely make that process slower than the last few days, but calmer winds could also speed it up. If you find yourself in mushy, wet snow or start seeing rollerballs, it is time to step back out of avalanche terrain. You can also move to cooler, shaded slopes to find drier snow. Remember that even small avalanches can have serious consequences, especially in extreme terrain. 

    (1/13/2026)

    Natural rollerballs on the south face of Glen Lake Peak

    Photo: Arden Feldman

  • Persistent Slabs

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

    Isolated areas at upper elevations still have poor snowpack structure. Weak layers of concern include small facets buried 1-1.5 ft deep and facets below a crust 1-2 ft deep. We have no reports of avalanches on these layers, but we’ve gotten propagation on them in snowpack tests. Regardless of the weak layer, you are unlikely to see obvious signs of instability, like cracking or collapsing, before triggering a persistent slab avalanche. Consider digging down and looking for weak layers before committing to a line. Strong over weak snowpack structure or propagating extended column tests indicate you should avoid slopes over 30 degrees. 

Avalanche Discussion

Another mostly sunny day is on tap for today. Compared to the last few days, last night’s temperatures were significantly cooler, and high temperatures today will also be cooler. This will help slow down the progression of wet loose avalanches today. However, winds will also be calmer today, which could allow some areas that stayed cool the last few days to warm up today. 

Remember that Low danger does not mean no danger. Avalanche conditions are relatively stable, and large avalanches are unlikely, but there are still several avalanche concerns to be aware of today. Wet loose avalanches are possible, and persistent slabs, glide avalanches, and old wind slabs are still lingering. Even small avalanches can have serious consequences. Couloirs, chutes, long avalanche paths, cliffs, and exposed rocks or trees increase your risk. If you decide to step out into steeper terrain, be sure to use safe travel practices, such as riding one at a time and regrouping in safe zones. 

Glide cracks have opened up on isolated slopes throughout the region. Glide avalanches are very difficult to forecast or understand due to their unpredictability. The time between a crack opening up and the avalanche failing can vary from minutes to months. Avoidance is the answer. If you see open glide cracks, do not travel underneath them. 

Wind slabs that formed during last week’s snowfall and strong winds have generally become unreactive. However, isolated stubborn pockets of wind slab could still exist in wind-loaded upper elevation terrain. Take a step back if you see signs of instability like cracking or collapsing. Cornices could also weaken and become more sensitive due to the sunshine. Give them a wide berth. 

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. 

Thank you for all of the great observations recently. They help us create better forecasts, and we truly appreciate them. Please keep submitting them! 

Ski and ride safe! 

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