Bitterroot

The avalanche danger remains low today. You could still trigger a persistent slab avalanche on upper elevation north and east facing slopes. Signs of instability, such as cracking, collapsing, and recent avalanches, are not obvious. Dig down, and if you find weak sugary snow beneath a denser slab, avoid slopes steeper than 30 degrees. Hazards such as stumps, logs, and rocks still exist due to thin snow coverage.

Avalanche danger could rise starting tonight with light snow accumulation. Stay alert for changing conditions.

A prolonged period of high pressure has dominated our forecast region for too long! A change in weather patterns is finally here and may be here to stay for a little while. Light snow fell overnight down to lower elevations and will gradually diminish throughout the day, leaving behind lingering cloud cover. Today, temperatures will remain below freezing, and light to moderate wind from the west/southwest is expected. The next weather system is slated to arrive tonight, presenting as a more organized disturbance with the potential for widespread light snow accumulation at all elevations in the mountains.

The persistent slab problem has been healing ever so slowly as weather remained clear and dry. We have not seen any avalanches since our last notable storm at the beginning of December, and snowpit test results have shown a decrease in the tendency to propagate. However, a weak snowpack structure can still be found in isolated areas, lending to the persistence of the persistent slab problem. Remember, low danger does not mean no danger.

On north and east aspects, consistent snow coverage starts at middle elevations and is largely faceted and cohesionless. On south and west aspects, consistent snow coverage does not generally start until upper elevations. There is variability in snow depth, and it is common to find breakable melt-freeze crusts at the surface. Observations have confirmed that widespread surface hoar is well-developed in open but sheltered areas on many aspects and elevations.

We do not expect avalanche danger to rise during the day today as little more new snow and wind are forecasted. Exercise normal caution as you move through the backcountry. Continue taking the time to dig down to look for weak snowpack structure. As we still have a thin snowpack, an avalanche could carry you over ground hazards such as rocks, downed logs, and stumps. Taking five minutes to jump off your sled and dig around could be what saves you from a consequential avalanche and traumatic injury.

Play it safe by skiing or riding slopes one at a time and carrying your beacon, shovel, and probe. If you haven't yet practiced avalanche rescue, now is a really good time to do so before weather and snowpack changes come to our region.

Avalanche danger could rise as soon as tonight as we head into this period of stormy weather. By tomorrow afternoon, we could see up to 7 inches of new snow. This is enough snow to create new avalanche problems. Avalanches could release on weak faceted snow, surface hoar, and crusts all currently found at or near the surface. Stay alert for changing conditions. Keep an eye out for red flags such as cracking, collapsing, whumpfing, and recent avalanches. Pay close attention to the weather and avalanche forecast as we head into the weekend.

Ski and ride safe!