Avalanche forecast

Whitefish Range

Flathead Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

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Out of date — this forecast expired 2 years ago.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

Highlights

Triggering a large avalanche on buried weak layers remains the primary concern. This will be more likely where the wind has stiffened the snow surface. You can reduce your chances of finding trouble by choosing slopes with a softer surface unaffected by the wind.

Avalanche problems

  • Persistent Slabs

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

    Although unlikely, you could trigger a 1-2 foot thick slab avalanche where surface snow rests on widespread weak snow, including surface hoar and facets, formed during the January drought. These weak layers are found in many aspects at all elevations. Areas where you could get into trouble are where the surface snow has settled into a cohesive slab or been stiffened by the wind. Snowfall this weekend may help develop a more cohesive surface slab.  

    If you encounter a slab, avalanches will be easier to trigger in thin spots at the edges or where rocks stick out of the snow. Suspect slopes include those with signs of wind effect, such as pillows, dunes, and etched surfaces.

    Collapsing (whumpfing) indicates you found a sensitive slab. Due to the underlying weak layers, slabs can propagate wider than expected. If you have any doubts about what is below you, you can choose lower-angle terrain for a safer experience.

    (2/13/2025)

    A layer of buried surface hoar propagated with moderate force.  This layer was buried 1.5 feet deep. The overyling slab was F hard at the surface increasing to 1F with depth. 

    Photo: Michael Reavis

Avalanche Discussion

This week's bitter cold temperatures have moderated as snowfall returns to the Flathead for the weekend. Snowfall through Saturday morning is generally light and low-density but may aid in fresh wind slab development. A more potent storm arriving Saturday night and lasting through Sunday could increase the avalanche danger, particularly in the favored Swan Range.  Unfortunately, both systems' energy stays well south of our area. 

Cold temperatures and a relatively dry February have left us in a holding pattern regarding the Persistent Slab problem. The surface/near surface snow remains cohesionless in many locations, limiting the ability for a failure on buried weak layers to propagate. Reports of collapsing (whumphing) and propagating snowpit tests continue to trickle in. As the surface consolidates into a slab, this problem will become more widespread and dangerous. This weekend's snowfall may contribute to the development of a surface slab. Other factors that aid in stiffening the surface include wind, warming temperatures, or sustained sun. 

The recent low-density snow and cold conditions have kept a cohesionless surface in many sheltered locations. On very steep slopes, riders could trigger loose snow sluffs. These can be problematic above cliff bands, in long-running gullies, or terrain traps where the snow piles up deep.

Upcoming Events: Check out our calendar and sign up now!

  • February 20-22nd: Avalanche Safety: Introduction to Avalanches Human Powered for Skiers and Snowboarders - register here
  • Feb 26th - Pint Night at Blackstar with donations going to Flathead Avalanche. State of our Snowpack presentation at 7pm! 

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