Avalanche forecast

Flathead Range & Glacier NP

Flathead Avalanche Center
View on map

Avalanche danger

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Out of date — this forecast expired 7 months ago.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

Highlights

Generally stable avalanche conditions exist. 1 to 3 inches of new snow may sluff easily in steep terrain, and the wind may form small slabs of drifted snow downwind of ridges and gullies. Although they may become sensitive later in the day, both should be harmless in size.

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 in early to mid January. 

    Photo: Michael Reavis

  • Wind Slabs

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

    New snow and southwest winds will form fresh slabs. You will find these on the downwind side of ridge crests and crossload gullies further down the slope. Slabs will form on very weak snow above a smooth crust. This will make them sensitive to triggers, though they should be small in size. Test the new snow before committing to steep objectives.

    (1/27/2026)

    Thin slabs may be easy to trigger with new snow and moderate winds. 

    Photo: Flathead Avalanche Center

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.

Regions covered