Avalanche forecast

Bitterroot

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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Out of date — this forecast expired 3 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

Low avalanche danger does not mean no avalanche danger. Use safe travel practices like having a partner and carrying a beacon, probe, and shovel. 

While becoming more unlikely by the day, you could still trigger a persistent slab avalanche on north aspects at upper elevations in isolated areas. Dig, and if you find weak, sugary snow beneath a slab, avoid slopes steeper than 30 degrees.

Avalanche problems

  • Persistent Slabs

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

    Persistent slab avalanches remain unlikely but are not impossible at upper elevations on the north and east aspects. In isolated areas, there is still a slab on top of weak facets from November snow, but even in these areas, avalanches are becoming less likely by the day. 

    You may not see red flags like cracking or collapsing in conditions like this. The best way to recognize and avoid this problem is to dig. Look for weak or sugary snow beneath a cohesive slab. If you encounter this poor structure, even if snowpit test results do not show instability, sticking to slopes under 30 degrees is best. 

    Why 30 degrees and not start pushing to 33 or 35 degree slopes? In general, there is enough of a range of human error when measuring slope angle that if people try to stick to 35 degree slopes, many would unknowingly expose themselves to 38 degree slopes or prime slab avalanche terrain. 

Avalanche Discussion

Good news! By the end of the week, there is potential for a pattern shift and a return to winter conditions. Snow should return to western Montana on Thursday, and a series of small storms will impact our area through next week. 

We have mentioned the low danger for the past few weeks due to a lack of a slab in the avalanche forecast. Conditions will change fast when the snow arrives. We can expect avalanche danger to rise and likely the addition of more avalanche problems like a storm or wind slab in addition to persistent slab.

We have seen mild weather, warm temperatures, and no new snow for the past few days. While it did not warm up enough to see a wet snow avalanche cycle, it certainly warmed enough to build a melt freeze crust on all solar aspects. The snowpack has continued to shrink on the south and west aspects, and some areas are down to dirt even at mid elevation. There is still some decent skiing and riding at upper elevations, but the coverage makes accessing these areas difficult.

While traveling around the mountains, the primary hazard remains hitting logs, rocks, and stumps. Ski or ride slow and stay healthy for when the snow finally arrives! 

 

Please consider submitting an observation of what you see in the backcountry. Even a simple photo or a weather description helps forecasters better understand conditions and create more accurate forecasts.

Contact us here if you're interested in volunteering for a field day with the Avalanche Center. This is a unique opportunity to ski or ride with a forecaster and learn or grow your own snow and avalanche skills. 

Ski and ride safe!

 

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