Flathead Range & Glacier NP

Expect generally safe avalanche conditions. Pockets of wind-blown snow may still exist in exposed terrain. Only expose one rider at a time if you choose to ride in steep terrain. 

Observations describe generally stable avalanche conditions, and signs of instability are sparse. The exceptions are:

• A rider triggered a few small (D1) wind slabs in southern Glacier National Park on January 19th.
• Glide avalanches and glide cracks are springing up from all corners of the forecast area.

Southwest winds are blowing at speeds capable of drifting snow, but there is little to no snow left to transport. You may still find old slabs of drifted snow on the leeward side of ridges and gullies. These should be generally harmless in size, and unlikely to trigger. However, if you plan to ride in consequential terrain, key into subtle surface clues like dune-shaped drifts or rippled surfaces. These surface clues indicate there is a slab. Getting caught in a small avalanche above a cliff or rock band can have outsized consequences.

Keep an eye out for glide cracks and avoid traveling beneath them. We’ve received reports of numerous glide avalanches so far this season. Glide avalanches take out the season's snowpack and can be very destructive. While they often fail when temperatures are warm or during rain events, they can fail at any time, including in cold conditions like now. The only way to manage them is through avoidance.  

Education and Events:

Interested in learning more? Check out our events calendar! There is a Motorized Intro to Avalanches course on Saturday, January 25th.