Avalanche forecast

Bitterroot

West Central Montana Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

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

It is possible for skiers and riders to trigger stiff windslab on upper elevation westerly aspects today. Avoid wind-loaded slopes over 35º. Avalanche hazard is low at mid and lower elevations with only lingering pockets of stubborn wind slab at mid elevation. Seek out sheltered slopes for better snow quality and lower hazard. 

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Wind slabs are becoming increasingly stubborn and unreactive but still concerning at upper elevation. Strong east winds earlier this week built slab on west aspects and even affected mid elevation terrain. Upper elevations look like a hurricane came through in many areas, with east aspects scoured down to old crusts. Wind slabs on west aspects are stout, and if you did trigger one, it would be a very unpleasant ride. 

    The good news is that current wind slabs should be easy to identify and avoid. Look for smooth and rounded humps along ridgelines or on slopes. Convex rollovers and thin areas of the slab are likely trigger points. You may not experience cracking before it fails with such a stout slab. If you see evidence of wind slab or find yourself on a stiff and supportable slab, step back to slopes under 35 degrees. 

    (2/24/2023)

    Example of stout wind slab likely to be encountered today.

    Photo: Mackenzie

Avalanche Discussion

Sun, mild temperatures, and light winds combined with fresh snow will make today a gorgeous day to be in the mountains. After a week of wild weather, the past 24 hours have been relatively calm.  We continue to see natural avalanches that ran early this week but have not seen any new avalanches for the past 48 hours. If you see one, we would love to hear about it! 

The avalanche hazard is generally low today. At low elevations, there is simply not enough snow to create a significant avalanche in most areas. The storm snow at mid elevation has settled and has become unreactive. Only pockets of stubborn wind slab remain at mid elevation from strong winds earlier this week.  Overhanging cornice exists along ridgelines, especially in the southern Bitterroot. Give it space and be careful walking near the edge as cornice can break further back than expected. 

Low hazard does not mean no hazard. Watch for unstable snow on isolated terrain. Avalanches are unlikely but not impossible. Sheltered terrain not affected by wind holds the highest quality snow and the lowest avalanche hazard. Use safe travel practices and only expose one person at a time to any hazard. 

Thank you to everyone who has submitted observations this week. The information you provide is essential to help us produce the best forecasts possible. Take advantage of the great visibility today and let us know what you are seeing by submitting an observation.

Ski and ride safe. 

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