Avalanche forecast

Swan Range

Flathead Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Tue
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low
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Highlights

Wind will transport new snow into thicker slabs on the lee side of ridges and gullies. Stick to slopes sheltered from the wind, and plan to dial slope angles back to less than 35 degrees if you see 8 or more inches of snow fall. Shooting cracks are a sign you've found a slab and to seek terrain with lower slope angles. If accumulations exceed forecasted amounts, expect CONSIDERABLE avalanche danger. 

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Moderate and strong wind speeds will transport new snow into slabs on the leeward side of ridges and gullies. The Swan Range and the Whitefish Range are expected to receive 3 to 6 inches of new snow by the end of today, with an additional 2 to 5 by tomorrow morning. If you are traveling in an area that receives 8 or more inches of new snow, expect a storm slab problem to form on all aspects and elevations. For safer riding, select terrain with slope angles less than 35 degrees.

    (1/29/2022)

    Shooting cracks away from your boards or machine is a sign you've found a slab avalanche problem. 

    Photo: Clancy Nelson

Avalanche Discussion

Overnight snow totals favored the Flathead Range and Glacier National Park. The remote weather station at Tunnel Ridge in the Flathead Range is winning the race as of 7 AM this morning with 6 inches of new snow. Stahl and Whitefish Mountain in the Whitefish Range are showing 2 to 3 inches, where Noisy Basin in the Swan Range got skunked with no measurable precipitation overnight.

Today's avalanche forecast relies heavily on today's precipitation forecast. We have higher confidence that dangerous conditions will develop in the Flathead Range where an additional 10 inches of snow may fall by tomorrow morning. The Whitefish and Swan Range may see anywhere from 4 to 10 inches by tomorrow morning.

New snow is landing on a variety of weak surfaces. Crusts and wind-hardened surfaces dominate upper elevations, which will act as a smooth layer for new snow to slide on. In locations sheltered from the wind at all elevations, surfaces consist of surface hoar and/or faceted snow. These areas, which we've been pointing to for most of the season for safer riding, will be prone to avalanching if we receive 8 or more inches. Look at terrain with a fresh lens today since we have yet to deal with snow landing on surface hoar this season. If you see cracking around your skis, boards, or machine, you've found a slab. Heavy precipitation rates or 8 plus inches of snow is your cue to stick to slopes less than 35 degrees.

Regions covered