Avalanche forecast

Flathead Range & Glacier NP

Flathead Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Thu
Alpine
1 · Low
Treeline
1 · Low
Below
1 · Low
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Highlights

Look for thin slabs of drifted snow formed by Tuesday's blustery winds. These will be most common at upper elevations. While most will be small, they can still ruin your day if they carry you into or over a terrain trap. 

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Blustery winds Tuesday formed a new generation of small, stiff slabs at upper elevations. While winds should diminish today, the freshly-formed slabs are likely to remain sensitive to your weight or the weight of your snowmachine. They'll be most common near ridgelines and summits. A few may lurk lower down, on the lee sides of open bowls and the sheltered side of terrain features like rock outcrops. The downslope sides of convexities can also collect wind-blown snow. 

    The hazard these pose is primarily related to what's downslope of them. A small slab above a gully or stand of trees is more likely to have consequences than one on a slope with a runout clear of obstacles. Adjust your line if riding up or dropping in puts you above a terrain trap like these.

    (1/21/2025)

    Wind-blown snow in a recent uptrack. A clear sign that winds have been drifting snow and small wind slabs may lurk in steep start zones.

    Photo: Paul Hoefer

Avalanche Discussion

While it's not yet Groundhog Day, today's takeaways sound similar to Tuesday's. And Monday's. And the few days before that. Be alert for small but sensitive wind slabs at upper elevations and don't linger under glide cracks. 

Blustery winds Tuesday deposited a new generation of small, stiff slabs near ridgelines and summits. These are likely sitting on a weak, faceted snow. They're more likely to react unpredictably to your weight or the weight of a snowmachine. Fortunately, most will be small and shallow. Older slabs are generally unreactive.

There's a surprising number of open glide cracks out there. A few have failed. The next spell of warm weather will likely prompt more slabs to release and speed the snow's journey to the ocean. For now, keep an eye above you, particularly if you're under steep, southerly slopes. Don't park or dawdle under open cracks. 

Education and Events:

Interested in learning more? Check out our events calendar! There is a Motorized Intro to Avalanches course on Saturday, January 25th.

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