Bollettino valanghe

Flathead Range & Glacier NP

Flathead Avalanche Center
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Pericolo valanghe

Thu
Alta quota
2 · Moderato
Limite del bosco
1 · Debole
Sotto il limite
1 · Debole
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Non aggiornato — questo bollettino è scaduto 7 months ago. Stai vedendo condizioni passate, non il bollettino in corso.

In sintesi

While capitalizing on this time of high pressure, stick to lower-angled pitches, slopes with the most supportive crust, and limit one rider at a time to a slope. The chance of triggering a large avalanche on a buried weak layer still remains above 6,000 feet. While unlikely, being caught in a slide of this nature would be traumatic and difficult to escape. 

Problemi valanghivi

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alta quota
    • Limite del bosco
    • Sotto il limite del bosco
    Probabilità
    Unlikely
    Dimensione
    2–3

    The potential size and repercussions of a triggered avalanche are driving today's (Wednesday) lingering problem rating. There are still isolated slopes with the recipe for a large, consequential avalanche to release on a buried weak layer. The ingredients are:

    • Slopes that lack a supportable surface crust. These are generally limited to areas above 6,000 feet. A transition from needing ski or boot crampons while you travel to boot-top penetration is a clue that you’re moving off a stout, supportable surface crust. For snowmobilers, these are slopes where you can easily bury the track on your machine, rather than feeling like you’re riding on a sheet of cardboard.
    • Steep slopes. Lower angled slopes that are not connected to steeper terrain will provide the safest option for travel. 
    • Areas above terrain traps. Short slopes that end in a gully (think the Puzzle Hills near Skyland) or areas above bands of rock could exacerbate the consequences of being caught in an avalanche.

    Take advantage of the high pressure and travel in areas with the most supportive crust. Practice sound general avalanche precautions by traveling one at a time on steeper slopes and always keep rescue equipment accessible.

    This photo highlights the shaded aspect where you may encounter a lack of supportable crust. As well as the type of terrain that would likely cause trauma if carried through.

    A large, natural slab avalanche on Slippery Bill mountain in the Skyland area. (7300' - NE - D2.5). This likely failed on a buried weak layer. (1/16/2026)

    Photo: Michael Reavis

Avalanche Discussion

It’s not February, but it sure feels like Groundhogs day. It has been six days since weather stations have recorded above-freezing temperatures. The last reported avalanche on a buried weak layer was nine days ago, and the last snowfall was over ten days ago.

This pattern is expected to continue, with little change in the weather over the next week. Also continuing is the potential to find one of the rare spots on a slope where everything lines up and you trigger a large avalanche. It is much like the game of Battleship right now; lots of open terrain with small areas of hidden danger. The lurking danger could have serious consequences if you hit the wrong spot. 

More terrain will open up as areas of sensitivity shrink with each day of benign weather. I view it as similar to the refrozen slush in my driveway melting away. Yesterday’s patches have shrunk, and slipping is a little less of an issue today. Maintain safe travel practices and exposure reduction strategies - like riding one at a time, keeping your partners in sight, and having rescue gear ready.

Submit your observations for a chance to win an ORTOVOX probe and shovel!

  • Open to all motorized riders (snowmobiles and snowbikes).
  • One obs per day, as many days/month as you can get.
  • Monthly drawing on the first of each month.
  • This month's prizes donated by @JESCOMontana

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