Flathead Range & Glacier NP

Keep your plans simple and keep to slopes less than 35 degrees if you’re trying to sneak in a ride before the arctic intrusion.  Plan your route to avoid traveling under connected steep slopes and above terrain traps.  Be prepared for changing conditions in case the cold arrives earlier than expected.

Today is the last call before things take a turn toward polar. Regardless of your cold tolerance, I'm sensing we'll all be spending less time - or at least less enjoyable time - in the mountains once the arctic air arrives this afternoon. Don't let this perceived future scarcity lure you into accepting more risk or lingering too long on your outing today. Remember, the avalanche doesn't care that you need one more ride before retreating indoors. 

Over the last two days, weather stations and observers have reported subtle additions of low-density snow to the snowpack surface. Generally, wind speeds are insufficient to drift the available snow into a new generation of wind slabs. I would anticipate thin slabs are beginning to form in favored locations (i.e., Aeneas Ridge). Expect this trend to increase as snow and wind intensify with the incoming weather. 

Four out of four observations from Friday reported no signs of instability. This included one particularly merciless interrogation in the Apgar range. One would think that 100% is a passing grade for our snowpack. However, despite the absence of feedback, at least three of these parties defaulted to low-angle terrain due to weak structure. The snowpack's last apparent protest to our advances was Wednesday when Blase and Guy pushed into upper elevations in the Great Bear Wilderness, but a couple of quiet days isn't enough to build my confidence. In fact, with the impending cold snap, I would double down on simplifying any backcountry plans. Pick an easy objective and plan for an early exit to stay ahead of the incoming weather. Call me pessimistic, but I always consider the possibility of an unexpected overnight stay in the mountains. The forecasted low temperatures could take what's, in the best circumstances, an uncomfortable experience and make it deadly. 

Speaking of overnights in the mountains, one thing to do while you're enjoying the warmth indoors is to get your kit dialed. Are you carrying your headlamp and fire starters? What's your first aid kit looking like? Have you practiced with your Airbag? Once you've finished that, you can get back to writing those holiday cards you've been avoiding.

If you're joining us this season or need to play catch up, check out Sarah's weekly condition summary and video by toggling the tab above.

Training: Now's a great time to hone your companion rescue skills. Transceiver parks are open at Whitefish Mountain Resort, one at the summit and one adjacent to Grey Wolf. Both are accessible to snowmachines. Or check out our Motorized Companion Rescue Clinic on Sunday, December 18. You can get more details about training and education opportunities events on our events calendar.

Observations - Thanks to everyone who's been utilizing our new observation submission page. Try it out and help your community by sharing what you see in the backcountry. The form requires you to fill out the location fields and put a dot on a map. Be as specific or vague as you want. Our new Observation View page highlights signs of instability and allows you to filter by date or zone to pull out reports relevant to your objectives.