Avalanche forecast

Rattlesnake

West Central Montana Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Wed
Alpine
1 · Low
Treeline
1 · Low
Below
1 · Low
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Highlights

Wet loose avalanches will become possible as the snow warms up on sunny aspects today. Dry loose avalanches are possible on steep, shaded slopes. These avalanches will be small but could be large enough to push riders into or over terrain traps. Look out for signs of instability like rollerballs, and be prepared to manage loose avalanches in steep terrain. 

Avalanche problems

  • Loose Wet

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–1.5

    Small wet loose avalanches in the recent snow will become possible today on sunny aspects as they warm up under partly cloudy skies. The 3 to 6 inches of recent snow is low density and easily susceptible to warming. Yesterday observers in the Central Bitterroot were able to trigger small wet loose avalanches after only a brief break in the clouds. The avalanches easily slid on slick crusts. 

    Today it will be sunnier, and wet snow will be more widespread. These avalanches will be small but could become large enough to push riders into or over terrain traps. If the snow is wet and rollerballs start, it's a sign to move to lower angle slopes or shadier aspects.

  • Loose Dry

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–1.5

    Yesterday, low-density snow was sluffing easily on various crusts. Loose-dry avalanches are possible throughout the forecast area today, especially where crusts underlie the recent snow. These pose little risk to skiers and riders unless encountered in a terrain trap such as a chute where they are funneled and increase in depth. They could knock skiers off their feet and push them into or over hazards. 

    If you are skiing steep consequential terrain, manage loose dry avalanches by getting out of their way and letting them run.

Avalanche Discussion

On Sunday morning, the Point 6 weather station in the Rattlesnake recorded strong to extreme east winds gusting up to 68 mph. An observation from East Seeley on Sunday noted the strong east winds creating isolated shallow wind slabs and causing significant wind stripping. The winds were strong enough to affect areas well below ridge top and potentially deposit snow in unusual locations. 

Snowfall Sunday night accumulated 3 to 6 inches of low-density snow favoring the Bitterroot. The low-density snow easily produced small loose avalanches yesterday and covered up evidence of older wind slabs. Observers did not find any signs of instability on the older wind slabs yesterday, but they can’t be ruled out yet. Any wind slab triggered today would most likely be small. However, it could knock you off your feet and carry you into or over hazards. Stay alert for shooting cracks, and be aware that the recent snow may be hiding isolated pockets of older wind slab underneath. 

Last night, another 2 to 4 inches of snow fell with calm to light winds. This likely did little to change avalanche conditions other than adding some depth to the loose avalanche problems. 

Today will be a gorgeous day to get out in the backcountry, but remember that low danger doesn't mean no danger. Continue to practice safe travel, such as skiing one at a time. Check for instabilities before entering steep terrain, and stay alert for red flags, like shooting cracks and rollerballs. Be prepared to manage loose avalanches in steeper terrain. 

Skiing and riding conditions are currently variable. Conditions are better in sheltered areas and areas that received more recent snowfall, like the Bitterroot, which covered up old wind and sun crusts. However, these are the same areas with the potential for larger loose avalanches. 

Please let us know what you find out there today by submitting an observation. 

Ski and ride safe.

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