Recent wind drifting and deeply buried weak layers require cautious travel at higher elevations, especially on wind loaded slopes or in rocky, shallow areas.  Lower elevations have a safer snowpack.  

Yesterday's strong wind event formed stiff slabs on all aspects at upper elevations. Evaluate wind loaded terrain below ridgelines, in gulleys and below normal loading locations. Weak snow near the ground is capable of producing very large avalanches. Avoid the deep slab problem with conservative terrain selection. A surface rain crust allows for safer conditions below the recent rain line.

Yesterday's strong wind event formed stiff slabs on all aspects at upper elevations. Evaluate wind loaded terrain below ridgelines, in gulleys and below normal loading locations. Weak snow near the ground is capable of producing very large avalanches. Avoid the deep slab problem with conservative terrain selection. A surface rain crust allows for safer conditions below the recent rain line.

Increasing west winds are transporting low-density snow forming slabs on leeward aspects. Today winds will switch to the northeast forming slabs on the other side of the compass. Evaluate wind loaded terrain below ridgelines and in gulleys. Weak snow near the bottom of the snowpack resulted in recent very large avalanches. Conservative terrain selection is the best way to manage the deep slab problem. Safer and more stable snow is at low and mid elevations.

Continued benign weather is allowing our surface snowpack to gain strength with lingering storm slab instabilities at upper elevations a concern. Our snowpack remains complex with recent very large destructive avalanches failing on deeply buried weak layers. Conservative terrain selection at upper elevations is the best way to manage this unpredictable deep slab problem. Generally safer and more stable snow is found at low and mid elevations where a stout rain crust caps the surface.

Benign weather is allowing our surface snowpack to gain strength with lingering storm slab instabilities at upper elevations a concern. Our snowpack remains complex with recent very large destructive avalanches failing on deeply buried weak layers. Conservative terrain selection at upper elevations is the best way to manage this unpredictable deep slab problem. Generally safer and more stable snow is found at low and mid elevations where a stout rain crust caps the surface.

Continued snowfall allows for dangerous avalanche conditions to prevail as you gain elevation. Slopes with weak layers may produce very large and destructive avalanches capable of traveling to valley bottom. Use patience and conservative route-finding as our snowpack adjust to the new load. Be aware of overhead hazards when traveling up in elevation. Generally safer and more stable snow is found at lower elevations.

An Avalanche Warning is in effect for the Flathead Range and GNP and the danger is HIGH in all 3 ranges. A potent storm system funneling copious amounts of heavy snow, rain, and winds is stressing numerous weak layers that produced large avalanches earlier this week. Natural avalanches are likely and human-triggered avalanches very likely today. Some slopes have the potential to produce very destructive avalanches that could reach valley bottoms. Travel in and below avalanche terrain is not recommended.

An Avalanche Warning is in effect for the Flathead Range and GNP and the danger is HIGH in all 3 ranges. A potent storm system funneling copious amounts of heavy snow, rain, and winds is stressing numerous weak layers that produced large avalanches earlier this week. Natural avalanches are likely and human-triggered avalanches very likely today. Some slopes have the potential to produce very destructive avalanches that could reach valley bottoms. Travel in and below avalanche terrain is not recommended.

The avalanche danger is MODERATE today but will rise to CONSIDERABLE with the arrival of a hard-hitting storm that will increase the likelihood of human-triggered and natural avalanches. Some slopes have the potential to produce very large and destructive avalanches that can reach valley bottoms.  The timing and intensity of this storm are uncertain but watch for the danger to rise later today or tonight.  Default to conservative terrain choices once snowfall rates intensify.  

The avalanche danger is trending down after a large storm that peaked on Sunday night. Lingering storm instabilities can be human triggered at mid and upper elevations. Deep slabs still lurk in alpine terrain, with the potential to run full track. Carefully evaluate the snowpack and overhead hazards before traveling in avalanche terrain.

The avalanche danger is trending down after a large storm that peaked on Sunday night. Lingering storm instabilities can be human triggered at mid and upper elevations. Deep slabs still lurk in alpine terrain, with the potential to run full track. Carefully evaluate the snowpack and overhead hazards before traveling in avalanche terrain.

The avalanche danger peaked overnight under intense loading, but the continued threat of human-triggered or naturally occurring avalanches, some of which could run full track, requires very cautious and conservative travel today.

Dangerous avalanche conditions exist from continued snowfall, strong winds, and fluctuating temperatures. Storm slabs have thickened on all aspects at mid and upper elevations and may be more reactive than yesterday. Another surge of moisture this afternoon/overnight will elevate the hazard if it arrives sooner than forecast. Continued loading will stress deeply buried weak layers which may result in a very large destructive avalanche. Practice safe travel techniques, seek out lower angle sheltered terrain and stay away from runout zones.