The avalanche danger is directly related to unusual and prolonged warming. The danger will rise to HIGH. We expect more wet snow avalanches that are large, destructive, and that can run long distances. Start and finish your day early. Plan to avoid avalanche terrain as the day warms up.

The avalanche danger is directly related to unusual and prolonged warming. The danger will rise to HIGH. We expect more wet snow avalanches that are large, destructive, and that can run long distances. Start and finish your day early. Plan to avoid avalanche terrain as the day warms up.

Here comes the hottest day so far!  Start and finish your day early, and move towards shady aspects as the day warms up.  The avalanche danger will rise to CONSIDERABLE.  We are expecting more large and dangerous natural wet avalanches this afternoon.  

The intensifying heatwave will lead to another day of wet avalanche activity. Large, dangerous wet loose slides have occurred each of the past three days. While the snowpack is generally stable this morning, the avalanche danger will rise with prolonged sunshine. Unsupportable, mashed potato-like snow is a clear sign of instability. Safer and higher quality snow can be found on shaded slopes.  

The intensifying heatwave will lead to another day of wet avalanche activity. Large, dangerous wet loose slides have occurred each of the past three days. While the snowpack is generally stable this morning, the avalanche danger will rise with prolonged sunshine. Unsupportable, mashed potato-like snow is a clear sign of instability. Safer and higher quality snow can be found on shaded slopes.  

Another day of warm sunny conditions will increase the threat of wet avalanches. Large, dangerous wet loose slides occurred yesterday and will become more widespread today.  While the snowpack is generally stable this morning, the avalanche danger will rise with prolonged sunshine. Unsupportable, mushy snow or rollerballs are signs to move to shaded or lower angled slopes. Safer and higher quality snow can be found on shaded slopes.  

Spring-like temperatures and sunshine are increasing the danger of wet avalanches. While the snowpack is generally stable this morning, the avalanche danger will rise to MODERATE if the sun comes out for extended periods. Monitor the snow surface for signs of instabilities such as sticky, heavy snow or rollerballs. If you see these, avoid recreating on or below steep slopes, in gullies, and above terrain traps. Safer and higher quality snow can be found on shaded slopes. 

Spring-like temperatures and sunshine are increasing the danger of wet avalanches. While the snowpack is generally stable this morning, the avalanche danger will rise to MODERATE if the sun comes out for extended periods. Monitor the snow surface for signs of instabilities such as sticky, heavy snow or rollerballs. If you see these, avoid recreating on or below steep slopes, in gullies, and above terrain traps. Safer and higher quality snow can be found on shaded slopes. 

Steer clear of the exceptions to the generally stable conditions. In upper elevation terrain near the crests of the Flathead, Swan, and Whitefish Ranges or the peaks in Glacier National Park, the exceptions will be long-running sluffs of dry snow and pockets of wind slab. At lower elevations, the concern will be wet snow slides on steep slopes receiving direct sun. The danger posed by the latter will rise if cloud cover does not develop as forecast. 

Today you can trigger slides of loose, unconsolidated snow that can be dangerous on steep slopes above terrain traps. These sluffs can involve dry snow in shaded, colder terrain, and wet snow on slopes receiving sustained sun. Reduce your exposure to these hazards with judicious terrain choices: keep your partners in sight, let sluff run away from you, and stay out from under steep, rocky terrain when you see rollerballs or the snow is getting sticky. 

Today you can trigger slides of loose, unconsolidated snow that can be dangerous on steep slopes above terrain traps. These sluffs can involve dry snow in shaded, colder terrain, and wet snow on slopes receiving sustained sun. Reduce your exposure to these hazards with judicious terrain choices: keep your partners in sight, let sluff run away from you, and stay out from under steep, rocky terrain when you see rollerballs or the snow is getting sticky. 

To avoid triggering loose wet avalanches today, trade steep, sunny aspects for shaded or lower-angled terrain. Watch for rollerballs and wet snow at the surface as signs that conditions are deteriorating. Where new snow is more cohesive, triggering wind slabs is still possible. Watch for denser snow, especially below ridgelines and near crossloaded features. Shooting cracks are a red flag.

New slabs may bond poorly to the underlying snow. Use caution on slopes steeper than about 35 degrees. Track new snow totals and look for recently drifted snow. Slabs thicker than about 8” can be dangerous. Exercise caution below ridgelines and near crossloaded features. Choose simpler, sheltered terrain to avoid the problem.

New slabs, up to a foot or more thick, may bond poorly to the underlying snow. Use caution on slopes steeper than about 30 degrees. Track new snow totals and look for recently drifted snow. Slabs thicker than about 8” can be dangerous. Use extra caution below ridgelines and near crossloaded features. Choose simple, sheltered terrain to stay out of harm’s way.