Avalanche forecast

Flathead

Feb 15 – 16, 2026Avalanche Canada
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Avalanche danger

Tue
Wed
Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
3 · Considerable
Below
2 · Moderate
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Highlights

Don't underestimate what the February sun can do to fresh snow. Storm slabs will likely be reactive on Sunday.

Avalanche problems

  • Persistent Slabs

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

    A weak layer of surface hoar/crust/facets exists in the upper snowpack. The new snow load will test whether this layer remains reactive.

  • Storm Slabs

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

    Fresh storm slabs will likely be sensitive to human triggers and seeing the sun for the first time.

Confidence

Moderate

  • We are uncertain about how the timing or intensity of solar radiation will affect the snowpack.
  • We are uncertain about how quickly persistent slabs are gaining strength.

Avalanche Summary

Widespread storm slab avalanche activity was observed on Saturday. Slabs were size 1.5 to 2, triggered naturally and artificially.

Snowpack Summary

30 to 40 cm of new snow sits over a variety of surfaces including wind affected snow, surface hoar in sheltered areas and crust on solar aspects and low elevations.

Below this, depending on aspect and elevation, the upper snowpack may contain two more layers of crust, facets and/or surface hoar formed in late January and early February. We have uncertainty around the reactivity of these layers.

The mid and lower snowpack remain well settled, with no significant concerns at this time.

Weather Summary

Saturday Night
Partly cloudy. 40 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -6 °C.

Sunday
Mix of sun and clouds. 30 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -6 °C.

Monday
Mostly cloudy. 5 to 10 cm of snow. 40 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -5 °C.

Tuesday
Mostly cloudy. 15 to 25 cm of snow. 20 km/h south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -5 °C.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Don't let the desire for deep powder pull you into high consequence terrain.
  • Continue to make conservative terrain choices while the storm snow settles and stabilizes.
  • Avoid sun-exposed slopes, especially if the snow surface is moist or wet.

Regions covered