Happy New Year! Wind slabs at upper elevations and a weak layer (surface hoar and facets) buried 2-4 feet deep throughout the advisory area require careful snowpack evaluation, cautious route-finding, and conservative decision making. The hazard is CONSIDERABLE above 6000 feet today particularly on wind loaded slopes. On all other slopes it is possible to trigger an avalanche making the hazard MODERATE. See the advisory discussion for more information on today's hazard rating.

Wind slabs at upper elevations continue to show signs of instability and the possibility to trigger persistent slabs (buried surface hoar and facets) still exists. The hazard is CONSIDERABLE on wind loaded slopes above 6000 feet and MODERATE on other terrain above 5000 feet. It remains important to carefully evaluate the snow pack in the areas you ski or ride by assessing the sensitivity of weak snow 2-4 feet deep and recent wind drifted snow.

Winds increased yesterday afternoon and drifted new, low density snow and added depth to recently formed wind slabs. For today, the hazard is CONSIDERABLE on steep, wind loaded slopes above 6000 feet. On non-wind loaded slopes above 5000 feet the hazard is MODERATE, it remains possible to trigger an avalanche in weak snow buried 2-4 deep. Avoid steep, wind loaded terrain today and remain vigilant in assessing the snow pack for deeper instabilities.

Winds increased yesterday afternoon and drifted new, low density snow and added depth to recently formed wind slabs. For today, the hazard is CONSIDERABLE on steep, wind loaded slopes above 6000 feet. On non-wind loaded slopes above 5000 feet the hazard is MODERATE, it remains possible to trigger an avalanche in weak snow buried 2-4 deep. Avoid steep, wind loaded terrain today and remain vigilant in assessing the snow pack for deeper instabilities.

An AVALANCHE WARNING is in effect for the entire advisory area. Substantial continued snowfall, moderate to strong winds, and rising temperatures created very dangerous avalanche conditions. All terrain in the advisory area is rated HIGH. Travel in avalanche terrain and runout zones is not recommended. Natural and human triggered storm and wind slabs are likely. Avalanches involving a persistent weak layer 2-5 feet deep are possible with this new, rapid load. Avalanches involving this layer could be large.

The AVALANCHE WARNING continues through today throughout the advisory area including the Swan Range, Whitefish Range, Flathead Range, and portions of southern Glacier National Park. Snow accumulation yesterday reached over 30 inches in some locations. New snow, rain at lower to mid-elevations, wind, and rising temperatures continue to cause HIGH avalanche hazard. Natural and human triggered avalanches are likely. Travel in avalanche terrain and runout zones is not recommended.

The AVALANCHE WARNING continues through today throughout the advisory area including the Swan Range, Whitefish Range, Flathead Range, and portions of southern Glacier National Park. Snow accumulation yesterday reached over 30 inches in some locations. New snow, rain at lower to mid-elevations, wind, and rising temperatures continue to cause HIGH avalanche hazard. Natural and human triggered avalanches are likely. Travel in avalanche terrain and runout zones is not recommended.

Recent moderate to strong winds created wind slabs on leeward and cross loaded slopes above 6500 feet. Lingering storm slabs may also exist on slopes steeper than 35 degrees. The avalanche hazard today is CONSIDERABLE on wind loaded slopes and MODERATE on all other slopes. Careful snowpack evaluation is essential today in identifying wind loaded slopes. It is also important to evaluate snow and terrain to assess the stability of recent storm snow. 

Recent moderate to strong winds created wind slabs on leeward and cross loaded slopes above 6500 feet. Lingering storm slabs may also exist on slopes steeper than 35 degrees. The avalanche hazard today is CONSIDERABLE on wind loaded slopes and MODERATE on all other slopes. Careful snowpack evaluation is essential today in identifying wind loaded slopes. It is also important to evaluate snow and terrain to assess the stability of recent storm snow. 

The potential exists to find lingering unstable wind slabs in isolated areas at high elevation. Since triggering an avalanche in this terrain remains possible, the hazard is MODERATE on wind-loaded slopes above 6000 feet. Cool temperatures following last week's warm storm and storm snow settlement decreased the hazard in terrain below 6000 feet where the hazard is LOW. Normal caution, site specific snow pack evaluation, and safe travel technique should still be excercised when traveling in the backcountry.

The avalanche hazard is MODERATE in steep, upper elevation wind loaded terrain due to lingering instability in wind slabs, you may also find thin, fresh wind slabs.  Pay attention to loose, dry avalanches (sluffs) as new snow likely bonded poorly with last week's rain crust. Below 6000 feet the hazard is LOW, continue to take normal backcountry precautions and assess each slope for stability and only expose one skier or rider to avalanche terrain at a time.

The avalanche hazard is MODERATE in steep, upper elevation wind loaded terrain due to lingering instability in wind slabs, you may also find thin, fresh wind slabs.  Pay attention to loose, dry avalanches (sluffs) as new snow likely bonded poorly with last week's rain crust. Below 6000 feet the hazard is LOW, continue to take normal backcountry precautions and assess each slope for stability and only expose one skier or rider to avalanche terrain at a time.

The avalanche hazard today is LOW at all elevations. LOW danger does not mean no danger. Watch for unstable snow on isolated terrain features like wind loaded slopes or steep, rocky areas with a more shallow snowpack. Human triggered avalanches are unlikely on most slopes, but the chances of triggering an avalanche is not impossible. Continue to practice safe travel techniques by traveling one at a time on a slope and always carry your avalanche safety gear.