Avalanche forecast

Rattlesnake

West Central Montana Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Sat
Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
No rating
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Out of date — this forecast expired 7 months ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

Avalanches are possible today anywhere you find wet surface snow. Large avalanches are most likely on slopes that receive direct sunlight. If you see roller balls or natural avalanches, it is time to move out of avalanche terrain.

Note: The Rattlesnake has limited snow below 5500 feet. We expect no avalanches below this elevation, so we are currently not issuing a low elevation danger rating. See discussion for details.

Avalanche problems

  • Loose Wet

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

    Wet snow exists on all aspects and elevations, and will be most reactive on solar aspects. As we move into February, “solar aspects” start to include westerly and easterly slopes in addition to southerly. North aspects will also warm with the sun today, but to a lesser extent. Expect smaller avalanches on north aspects, with increasing avalanche size as you wrap around the compass. Yesterday, we observed natural avalanches up to size two on solar slopes.

    Thanks to a temperature inversion, high elevations remained above freezing overnight, which means avalanches will be larger and more easily triggered at high elevations. Large natural avalanches (up to size 2) are possible on southerly slopes at high elevations, and are most likely in steep, rocky terrain.

    At middle elevations, a shallower snowpack and stronger overnight refreeze will reduce potential avalanche size. But, be aware of what is above you. Natural wet avalanches from high elevations can travel long distances and impact mid-elevations. If you see rollerballs, or natural avalanches, or are sinking  6 inches or more into wet snow, it is time to get out of avalanche terrain. Stay away from terrain traps such as gulleys, where even small avalanches can have serious consequences.

    Recent small natural wet point releases and rollerballs on the south face of Pyramid Peak. 

  • Persistent Slabs

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

    A weak surface hoar layer from our January drought was buried about a week ago. In most places it is only 2 or 3 inches deep under soft new snow. However, in wind loaded areas and at high elevations, it could be buried 6 to 10 inches. In these isolated locations it will be reactive to human-triggering.

    Before committing to a steep slope, dig down and look for a thin layer of surface hoar with an overlying slab. In some places the weak layer won’t be visible to the naked eye, so you will need to do snowpack tests to find it. If you find a relatively strong slab over a weak layer, stay off of slopes over 30 degrees. Cracking and collapsing are also signs to stay off of these slopes.

    In the Northern Swan Range there are recent reports of avalanches on this layer. Compared to near Missoula, the Northern Swans received more snow in the past week (6-10 inches) and saw stronger winds. This could be a preview of what we’ll see once we get more precipitation.

    (2/3/2026)

    A snowpit dug near Lake Dinah (Seeley Region) on February 3rd. We found buried surface hoar and both December crust layers.

Avalanche Discussion

With clear skies last night, we are expecting a stronger refreeze than was initially forecast, particularly at low elevations where temperatures dropped below freezing. The surface refreeze will break down quickly up high where temperatures stayed above freezing. Avalanches will become increasingly possible and larger in size as you gain elevation. The largest potential avalanches will be on high elevation slopes that receive direct sunlight.

You’ll notice we’ve removed a low elevation hazard rating for Seeley Lake and the Rattlesnake. Our low elevation in these regions tops out below the extent of large run-outs, and we don’t expect avalanches from above to run all the way to 5500 feet. There is also not enough snow to trigger an avalanche at these low elevations. In the Bitterroot, areas like Lolo Pass do have snow at low elevations, and isolated paths closer to the Bitterroot crest could see avalanches large enough to run to low elevations.

Our newly buried surface hoar is not yet deep enough to create a widespread problem. This is because in most places the overlying slab is not thick or deep enough to support propagation. Triggering an avalanche on this layer is possible in isolated areas where a sufficient slab does exist. This is most likely on wind loaded northerly aspects at high elevations, where surface hoar was not destroyed by sun or wind before burial.

Glide cracks have opened up on isolated slopes throughout the region. Cornices can also fail naturally with warming temperatures. Both of these avalanche problems are unpredictable, and avoidance is the answer. Don’t travel below cornices or open glide cracks, especially as temperatures continue to warm.

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. 

Please continue to submit observations and ski and ride safe!

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