Avalanche forecast

Seeley Lake

West Central Montana Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Sun
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
1 · Low
Below
1 · Low
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Highlights

Triggering an avalanche on wind-loaded terrain remains a possibility today. Recent avalanches, shooting cracks, and whumping nearby are distinct signs of unstable snow. Reduce your risk by sticking to slopes with less wind effect and slope angles under 35 degrees.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Triggering a slab avalanche in newly drifted snow remains possible today. Steeper pockets of the terrain below ridgelines and on open slopes at upper elevations are most suspect. The wind picked up towards the storm's end and continued to blow through the night. Evaluate the potential and consequences of triggering an avalanche before committing to leeward slopes with terrain over 35 degrees. 

    Easterly slopes likely harbor more wind slab development, but local topography variations can affect a slope's wind speed, direction, and loading characteristics. Use wind lips and cornices to identify the areas where loading has occurred. Look and listen for clues like smooth, rounded lens-shaped pillows of snow, hollow drum-like sounds, or harder snow on top of softer snow. Jump on a few safe, test slopes to see how the snow responds and avoid avalanche terrain if you find shooting cracks nearby.

Avalanche Discussion

A few snow bands lingered yesterday morning. The Lolo pass area received 8 inches of snow in the past 24 hours, with an approximate total of 11 inches for the week at 6,000 feet. Reactive buried surface hoar was also found on protected northeast aspects on Mt. Fuji near Lolo Pass. Reports from the Seeley-Swan region indicated strong winds out of the west, creating touchy fresh wind slabs. Other areas saw slightly less wind effect, but cracking on wind-loaded test slopes existed throughout. Expect light west winds with moderate gusts today. 

Don't let the blue sky lull you into erroneous decision-making. It is still possible to trigger lingering slabs of snow, especially of the wind-formed variety. It may also be possible to trigger an isolated large avalanche on a buried surface hoar layer. We are still finding developed basal facets on isolated shallow pockets in the Rattlesnake. It's unlikely to trigger an avalanche on this layer. However, before committing to upper elevation terrain that is steep, complex, rocky, or otherwise shallow, it's worth digging for a closer look and considering the consequences of a slide. 

Continue to use safe travel techniques when traveling in the backcountry. Look for, identify and communicate instabilities you see to your partners and adjust your travel plans accordingly.

Ski and ride safe.

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