Human triggered avalanches are possible today due to lingering wind slabs near the tops of ridges and weak snow (facets) at the ground and mid-pack above 5000 feet. Rising temperatures and potential rain on snow could cause wet avalanche problems later today. The hazard below 5000 feet will begin Low and rise to Moderate. Pay attention to changing conditions and evaluate snow and terrain carefully. Expect the hazard to rise into tomorrow as rain falls on snow. 

Human triggered avalanches are possible due to lingering instability of weak snow (facets) near the ground. Wet avalanches are also possible due to rain and above freezing temperatures. Carefully evaluate each slope before you commit to it and avoid steep, rocky slopes with shallow snow where it is easier to trigger this weak snow near the ground. Pay attention to changing conditions throughout the day particularly during rain events. If it rains more than expected, the hazard will rise. 

Human triggered avalanches are possible due to lingering instability of weak snow (facets) near the ground. Wet avalanches are also possible due to rain and above freezing temperatures. Carefully evaluate each slope before you commit to it and avoid steep, rocky slopes with shallow snow where it is easier to trigger this weak snow near the ground. Pay attention to changing conditions throughout the day particularly during rain events. If it rains more than expected, the hazard will rise. 

Recent warming has contributed to the strengthening of some mid-snowpack instability, however it remains possible to trigger avalanches in weak snow (facets) near the ground in some locations. Continue to seek out these instabilities in the areas you are skiing or riding. Pay close attention to changing conditions in regard to new snow and associated winds in the forescast.

The Swan Range received a substantial amount of precipitation in the past 24 hours. As of 10:00pm last night Noisy Basin SNOTEL reported 8 inches of new snow with a snow water equivalent of 1.3 inches in the previous 24 hour period.In addition to stress added to previously formed weak layers, the storm snow needs time to settle and bond to the old snow surface. For today, avoid terrain steeper than 35º in areas that received this rapid load.

The Swan Range picked up the lion's share of the storm totals yesterday, other locations received between 3 and 6 inches of new snow. Winds associated with the frontal passage created sensitive wind slabs at higher elevations. Thus, wind loaded slopes above 6000 feet are rated considerable. For today, it is best to avoid wind loaded terrain, even if wind slabs appear relatively thin.

The snowpack continues to show signs of strengthening. However, some signs of instability still exist on slopes with a shallow snowpack. Above 6000 feet the avalanche hazard is MODERATE on slopes steeper than 35 degrees. The hazard is LOW in all other locations. It is still important to evaluate all slopes before riding or skiing, particularly areas with a shallow snowpack. 

The avalanche hazard above 6000 feet is Moderate, but could rise to Considerable by later today with new snow and wind on the way. The hazard below 6000 feet is Low, but could rise to Moderate. Surface hoar and facets exist at and near the top of our snowpack. A substantial new snow load on top of these weak layers will cause the avalanche hazard to rise. 

The avalanche hazard above 6000 feet is Moderate, but could rise to Considerable by later today with new snow and wind on the way. The hazard below 6000 feet is Low, but could rise to Moderate. Surface hoar and facets exist at and near the top of our snowpack. A substantial new snow load on top of these weak layers will cause the avalanche hazard to rise. 

Unscheduled Avalanche Update - New snow and wind through today will cause the avalanche hazard to rise to Considerable above 5000 feet by the end of the day. Weak snow exists near the top of our snowpack. Human triggered avalanches are likely particularly on wind loaded slopes due to increasing wind and new snow load on top of these weak layers. Conservative decision making and cautious route-finding are essential now particularly after a prolonged period of lower avalanche hazard. 

New snow and wind drifted snow accumulated on a weak snow surface yesterday and overnight. Continued winds and a small amount of new snow today will continue to add stress to this layer of buried surface hoar.  Human triggered avalanches are likely particularly on wind loaded slopes. Conservative decision making while traveling in the back country will be essential today.

New snow and wind drifted snow accumulated on a weak snow surface yesterday and overnight. Continued winds and a small amount of new snow today will continue to add stress to this layer of buried surface hoar.  Human triggered avalanches are likely particularly on wind loaded slopes. Conservative decision making while traveling in the back country will be essential today.

 An AVALANCHE WARNING has been issued for all terrain above 6000 feet. Natural avalanche activity is likely above 6000 feet and remains possible below.  New snow, warming, and wind continue to stress weak snow in the upper snow pack. Travel in avalanche terrain, run-out zones, and terrain traps is not recommended today.

We are allowing the avalanche warning to expire, however dangerous conditions still exist in the advisory area. Cautious route-finding and conservative decision making are essential if traveling in the backcountry today.