Swan Range

Enjoy generally safe riding conditions ahead of this weekend’s storm. Don’t slack on your safety protocols, like carrying a beacon, shovel, and probe. Increase your margin for safety by traveling one at a time on steep slopes.

We’ve reined in the persistent slab problem a bit:

• The problem has been removed from the Swan Range.
• It is now listed as unlikely in the Flathead Range, and Glacier National Park.
• It remains possible in the Whitefish Range, specifically the central and northern parts of the range.

Here’s the rationale:

•  Since Monday (12/9) we received no further reports of recent avalanche activity on this layer.
•  We’ve also received no further reports of obvious signs of instability, like shooting cracks or whumpfing collapses during that time.
• Recent observations from the Swan, Central GNP, and John F Stevens Canyon all reported minimal signs of recent winds, limiting slab formation above the weak layer.
• The observations from the Swan and Central GNP also reported a thin crust from rain during the12/7 storm.  Rain likely destroyed any surface hoar up to roughly 7000 feet in these areas.

Uncertainty is highest in the Whitefish Range and along the Flathead Range due to a lack of observations in those areas.  I would approach those zones with an assessment mindset today.  You can simplify things - or increase your safety margins - by defaulting to solar aspects (where weak layers are less problematic) or less steep terrain.

Did you hear about the app? You can now access our region's forecasts, observations, and weather data directly from the Avy App (IOS; Android). Many features are accessible offline, so you can win debates about the avalanche problems right in the backcountry or submit an obs while driving home. 

Are you looking for avalanche education opportunities? Check out our calendar for upcoming events. There is a Ladies Partner Rescue Clinic tomorrow December 14th. Next week, there is an Avalanche Awareness Class at Bias Brewing on Monday, December 16th.