An active weather pattern will bring a mix of rain and snow to the mountains under a cooling trend into the first week of November.  Watch for fresh storm instabilities to develop on high elevation, north facing slopes that are harboring old, weak snow leftover from earlier in the fall.  

Wintery conditions have left snow cover in some mountain areas, and it is time to turn your avalanche brains back on if you are traveling in steep, snow-covered terrain.  Be cautious of wind-drifted snow below ridgelines and in gullies.  A small slide can inflict harm if it drags you over rocks and vegetation.  

Wintery conditions have left snow cover in some mountain areas, and it is time to turn your avalanche brains back on if you are traveling in steep, snow-covered terrain.  Be cautious of wind-drifted snow below ridgelines and in gullies.  A small slide can inflict harm if it drags you over rocks and vegetation.  

Springtime generally offers a more predictable snowpack in the mountains, but avalanche activity continues into summer in Northwest Montana. Avalanche conditions are dynamic - snow stability deteriorates quickly with subtle changes in snow, rain, wind, sun, and temperatures. Continue to assess the weather, snowpack, and terrain, and practice safe travel techniques until the snow melts. 

Several storm slabs were easily triggered in the new snow on Friday. Up to 20” of new snow is consolidating into reactive slabs over a variety of crusts and will slowly bond with old snow through the weekend. Cracks in the snow surface are a sign of instability to avoid steep terrain. Periods of sunshine on Saturday and warmer temperatures on Sunday will increase the threat of loose wet avalanches. Monitor surface warming.

Several storm slabs were easily triggered in the new snow on Friday. Up to 20” of new snow is consolidating into reactive slabs over a variety of crusts and will slowly bond with old snow through the weekend. Cracks in the snow surface are a sign of instability to avoid steep terrain. Periods of sunshine on Saturday and warmer temperatures on Sunday will increase the threat of loose wet avalanches. Monitor surface warming.

New snow and wind on Thursday will begin to form storm slabs at mid and upper elevations. As snow continues, these slabs will thicken and become more widespread. New snow is adding stress to a buried crust/ facet combo that formed earlier in the month. Watch for surface cracking in new snow and lens-shaped pillows on high elevation, leeward slopes. Warmer temps and sunshine on Friday could increase the threat of loose wet avalanches on sunny aspects.

Warming temperatures, sunshine, and rain showers will increase the threat of shallow loose wet avalanches on Tuesday.  Look for rollerballs to indicate decreasing stability.  Cooler temperatures on Wednesday should curb wet concerns.  An increase in southwest winds through Tuesday night could form small wind slabs on high elevation, leeward terrain.  Watch for blowing snow or thicker drifts.  

Warming temperatures, sunshine, and rain showers will increase the threat of shallow loose wet avalanches on Tuesday.  Look for rollerballs to indicate decreasing stability.  Cooler temperatures on Wednesday should curb wet concerns.  An increase in southwest winds through Tuesday night could form small wind slabs on high elevation, leeward terrain.  Watch for blowing snow or thicker drifts.  

The avalanche danger remains elevated due to continued rain, dense snow, and winds. Sensitive slabs are thickening at higher elevations, while rain and wet snow are causing wet avalanche concerns lower in the terrain. Evaluate new snow totals and bonding with the underlying crust.

This morning the avalanche danger is MODERATE. A warm wet storm will impact our area later today raising the danger to CONSIDERABLE. Wet avalanches will become a concern below the rain line and dense snow will form sensitive slabs above it. Monitor changing conditions and be alert for natural activity later today. 

This morning the avalanche danger is MODERATE. A warm wet storm will impact our area later today raising the danger to CONSIDERABLE. Wet avalanches will become a concern below the rain line and dense snow will form sensitive slabs above it. Monitor changing conditions and be alert for natural activity later today. 

New snow and wind may form thin slabs at upper elevations on atypical slopes. Approach lens-shaped pillows with caution and look for cracks as a sign of instability. Wind-sheltered, low angle slopes offer the safest riding conditions.

Snowfall overnight formed fresh, shallow storm slabs overlapping with thicker slabs from earlier this week. Thin wind slabs may develop on atypical slopes from northeast winds. Evaluate snow totals, wind transport, and look for surface cracks as a sign of instability.