Avalanche forecast

Flathead Range & Glacier NP

Flathead Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Fri
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low
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Out of date — this forecast expired 6 months ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

Triggering an avalanche on a buried weak layer remains possible. Acknowledge the signs of collapsing and whumphing while avoiding steep slopes without a stout surface crust. Enjoy another day of easy travel and sunshine on southerly facing slopes.

Avalanche problems

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1.5–2.5

    A widespread weak layer of facets or buried surface hoar exists. Upper-elevation shaded slopes with a dense surface slab are the most likely places to trigger a large avalanche.  Expect the slab depth to increase with elevation and in areas that collect snow from typical wind directions. 

    Travel advice, at its simplest, is to stay on a stout surface crust. If you choose to recreate on shaded slopes, look and listen for clues of instability and maintain distance from steep slopes above or to the side of your location. Avalanches failing on a buried weak layer may be triggered remotely. Collapsing was reported in both the Swan and Whitefish ranges yesterday (Wednesday). This is a clear sign you’ve found a sensitive weak layer with a slab above it. 

    (2/1/2026)

    4F, wind stiffened slab proved reactive on a buried layer of surface hoar along ridgeline. 

    Photo: Michael Reavis

Avalanche Discussion

The persistence of a buried weak layer remains across the forecast region. It’s hard to let our guard down when we have Extended Column Test scores being reported with easy to moderate force, and audible collapsing is reported in 2 out of 3 mountain ranges. Despite a long spell of sunny skies, light winds, and very little precipitation, the snowpack continues to show signs of instability in isolated areas.

We have dropped the Swan Range danger rating in the upper elevations. Due to dribs and drabs of recent snow, coupled with moderate winds, the slab sitting on the weak layer is likely thicker (1 to 2 feet) here than in other zones. The most concerning buried weak layer consists of large crystals of surface hoar atop a crust. This combination could produce large, remotely triggered avalanches. A grey stripe will easily give away the weak layer while digging. Stout surface crusts in the Swan are safe travel routes to avoid the current avalanche problem.  

The Whitefish range has only had a few inches of snow in the last several weeks. Despite this, observers reported reactive test results from a buried weak layer 25 cm below the surface yesterday (Wednesday). Another observer noted the surface crust breaking down and faceting on northerly slopes.

A welcome change in the weather pattern is expected this weekend. If we add a significant load to these buried weak layers, the conditions could change rapidly.

Regions covered