Whitefish Range
Swan Range
Flathead Range and Glacier National Park
How to read the forecast
The transition to fall has certainly occurred with more consistent wet weather and the appearance of snow in the mountains. Fall is a great time to brush up on your avalanche knowledge and skills. See the education page for a list or the events calendar for a calendar of classes this fall and winter. We have a few new website upgrades that we will unveil in the next few weeks, including a new weather station interface.
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3500-5000 ft.Fall is in full effect and winter is trying to edge its way in ever so slowly. Snow accumulating in the mountains now is likely to stick around and provide the "base" of the snowpack for the season. It's good practice to pay attention to early season weather patterns and think about how that may affect the development of the snowpack on all aspects. As you venture in the mountains this fall remember that avalanches can happen any time of the year. If there is enough snow to ride or ski then there is enough snow to avalanche.
It's also a good idea to start brushing away the cobwebs in the part of your brain that thinks about avalanches, and attend one of the upcoming classes this fall. Check here for a calendar. We will conduct avalanche awareness classses for both motorized and non-motorized audiences. Many of these classes are hosted by local shops and retailers, and we appreciate their support in helping educate backcountry users.
While you are dreaming about powder-filled slopes you might also check out the online tutorials under the Education tab. There are a number of resources from the National Avalanche Center and the American Avalanche Association. There is also a great tutorial from Avalanche Canada as well as their Throttle Decisions video series.
Also, look for upcoming information on the Snowball from the Friends of the Flathead Avalanche Center (FOFAC). Learn more about FOFAC and their mission.
We will update the site with snowpack and avalanche conditions throughout the fall as the snow continues to accumulate as well as add more classes and events as they are scheduled.
Have a safe and great fall!
This advisory applies only to backcountry areas outside established ski area boundaries. This advisory describes general avalanche conditions and local variations always occur. This advisory expires at midnight on the posted day unless otherwise noted. The information in this advisory is provided by the USDA Forest Service who is solely responsible for its content.