Avalanche forecast

Rattlesnake

West Central Montana 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Out of date — this forecast expired 8 months ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

Human triggered avalanches are possible anywhere the wind has blown new snow into a slab 6 inches thick or more. Watch for red flags like shooting cracks, blowing snow, or fresh avalanches. If you see these, stick to slopes less than 30 degrees. 

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    10 inches of snow has fallen in the Rattlesnake since the 5th.  Triggering a wind slab 1-3 feet deep on wind loaded slopes will be possible today. Yesterday, observers were able to trigger fresh avalanches along ridgelines near Point 6 and outside Snowbowl ski area.

    Today, the Rattlesnake is not forecasted to recieve as much snow as other zones. If you are out in the Rattlesnake and find areas with more snow than forecast, expect avalanche danger to increase to the upper end of moderate or low end of considerable. 

    Wind slabs often form just below ridgelines, below slope convexities, and in cross-loaded gullies. Identify wind slabs by looking for pillow-shaped deposits and wind drifts.  Avoid slopes over 30 degrees if you see signs of instability like recent avalanches, shooting cracks, or blowing snow. 

  • Persistent Slabs

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

    Triggering a persistent slab avalanche is unlikely, but poor snowpack structure remains in isolated areas. Intermittent reports of buried near surface facets and facets around crusts have shown propagation potential in snowpit tests. No avalanches have been observed on these layers in two weeks, but as it continues to snow, the load on these layers is increasing and may reach a tipping point. 

    You are unlikely to see obvious signs of instability, like cracking or collapsing, before triggering a persistent slab avalanche. To identify areas where the problem exists, dig in the snow and look for weak snow surrounding crusts. If you find this and want to avoid the avalanche problem, stick to slopes less than 30 degrees in slope angle. 

    (1/7/2026) Photo: Arden Feldman 

    Rattlesnake buried near surface facets

Avalanche Discussion

Although overnight snowfalls were less than forecasted, 48 hr snow totals come in at 1-2 feet of new snow in all zones. Another round of snowfall is expected for the next 24 hr period (5am Thursday - 5am Friday) with 6-13" in the southern Bitterroot, 7-11" in the central Bitterroot, 4-7" in the Rattlesnake, and 6-10" in Seeley. Winds will increase Thursday with the arrival of the storm and another layer of fresh wind slabs is expected to form. 

There is still uncertainty around the persistent slab problem and its distribution.  If you decide to dig in the snow, please let us know what you are finding. Snowpit tests are helpful but not necessary, even a photo of your snowpit wall helps!

On January 5th, a snowmobiler was killed in an avalanche near Lake Tahoe. Our condolenses go out to the family and friends. If we look at the preliminary accident report, we find terrain and wind slab avalanche size that resembles much of the motorized terrain in our forecast zones. We mention this as a reminder and learning opportunity that even short running avalanche paths can be dangerous if they bring you into trees or terrain traps. 

Let us know what you see by submitting an observation. We appreciate all observations, no matter how small, as our forecast area is large, and it helps us understand conditions across all zones. 

Ski and ride safe!

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