Flathead Range & Glacier NP

The snowpack is generally stable. There remains a slim chance you could trigger a slide on a buried weak layer in rocky terrain or where the snowpack is thin and wind-swept. Continue to practice safe travel protocols of one rider at a time in avalanche terrain.

Despite relatively uninspiring weather, we received six public observations from around the area Saturday. The overall theme was stable conditions on the surface and in snowpit tests. Riders reported surprisingly good and fun times, especially on northerly aspects where Friday's snow rested on softer snow. In the Swan Range, observers enjoyed 4-9 inches of fresh snow, with 3-5 inches in select areas of the Flathead. The new snow was not bonding well to the underlying layer, with sluffing the number one avalanche problem on steep slopes. Light winds had formed small thin slabs in select locations with cracking experienced beneath skis, but no triggered slides.

This morning we dropped the Persistent Slab problem from the Whitefish Range, the Flathead Range, and southern Glacier Park. There are several buried weak layers in our snowpack that have proved troublesome this season but are strengthening and becoming difficult to trigger. With relatively deep snow depths across the area, these layers are generally buried at a depth that a rider is unlikely to affect. However, as recent avalanches signify, thin areas in the snowpack are likely trigger points. These include rocky outcroppings and wind-swept or scoured locations where the weak layer is closer to the surface.

Recently, observers have submitted photos of a few of the many glide cracks opening up around the area (Observation 1, Observation 2). These seem most prevalent at mid-elevations on sunny southerly and westerly slopes. One experienced rider in the Swan Range noted glide cracks on basically every open/ planar slope facing south and west from Strawberry to Peters Ridge. The recent below-average temperatures kept these in place, and this week's forecasted cool conditions should limit glide failure. However, glide avalanches are notoriously challenging to predict and can occur at any point in winter or spring. A good example is a glide avalanche first spotted on Christmas morning in 2020 that failed the following day. Information on that large slide in the Flathead Range is found in this observation.

FOFAC Event: March 30th, 2023– Whether chasing tan lines, big lines, or both, you'll learn something valuable from FAC Lead Forecaster Mark Dundas about spring avalanche problems, how they differ from winter problems, and how to manage them. We will also discuss current conditions and concerns (or lack thereof!) with our spring snowpack. Enjoy a cold brew from Bias Brewing and a scoop from Sweet Peaks Ice Cream. The event is free and open to everyone. Begins at 6 pm.