We have seen a string of human triggered persistent slabs, shooting cracks, and audible collapses since last weekend's storm and avalanche cycle ended. Although the danger is gradually easing, the potential for triggering a large and dangerous persistent slab avalanche requires careful snowpack and terrain evaluation. 

Heightened avalanche conditions exist due to reactive persistent slab instabilities and fresh wind loading following last weekend's storm.  Recent reports of collapses in the Flathead Range highlight the potential for triggering a large and dangerous avalanche.  Carefully assess the snowpack before committing to steeper terrain.  

Heightened avalanche conditions exist in the Swan Range in the wake of a significant storm that ended last weekend.  Triggering a large and dangerous avalanche is possible on slopes steeper than 35 degrees.  Look for shooting cracks to help identify instabilities, and continue to carefully evaluate the snow and terrain.  

Dangerous avalanche conditions exist in the Flathead Range in the wake of a significant storm that ended last weekend.  The avalanche danger is CONSIDERABLE above 6,000 feet.  Increased winds overnight formed sensitive wind slabs and the potential of triggering a destructive persistent slab lingers.  Avoid wind loaded slopes and use conservative terrain selection to manage deeper instabilities.

Recent dry weather has allowed our snowpack to gain strength, however our avalanche danger remains elevated. The avalanche danger is CONSIDERABLE on all aspects above 6000'. Triggering a storm slab or persistent slab avalanche remains POSSIBLE at all elevations. Persistent slab avalanches have the potential to be very large and destructive. Careful snowpack evaluation, cautious routefinding and conservative decision making are essential.

Recent dry weather has allowed our snowpack to gain strength, however our avalanche danger remains elevated. The avalanche danger is CONSIDERABLE on all aspects above 6000'. Triggering a storm slab or persistent slab avalanche remains POSSIBLE at all elevations. Persistent slab avalanches have the potential to be very large and destructive. Careful snowpack evaluation, cautious routefinding and conservative decision making are essential.

The recent bountiful storm is over but dangerous avalanche conditions remain. The avalanche danger is CONSIDERABLE on all aspects and elevations. The natural avalanche cycle has ended but triggering a storm slab avalanche is LIKELY today. Persistent slab avalanches have the potential to be very large and destructive. Cautious routefinding and conservative decision making are essential.

Continued snowfall, accompanied by shifting winds, has created dangerous avalanche conditions. The avalanche danger is CONSIDERABLE on all aspects and elevations. A natural avalanche cycle is ongoing and triggering a dangerous avalanche is LIKELY today. Persistent slab avalanches have the potential to be very large and destructive. Cautious routefinding and conservative decision making are essential today.

An AVALANCHE WARNING remains in effect until 5 p.m.  Continued snowfall, accompanied by shifting winds, has created very dangerous avalanche conditions. The avalanche danger is HIGH on all aspects above 5000 feet. A natural avalanche cycle is ongoing and triggering a dangerous avalanche is VERY LIKELY today. Persistent slab avalanches have the potential to be  very large and destructive. Travel in avalanche terrain is not recommended.  

Heavy snowfall and gusty winds have teamed up to create very dangerous avalanche conditions and the avalanche danger is HIGH.  Large and dangerous storm instabilities will be easily triggered or fail naturally, and very destructive persistent slab avalanches have potential to run full track.  Travel in avalanche terrain is not recommended.  

Expect changing conditions with avalanche danger rising from MODERATE today and reaching  CONSIDERABLE overnight as a potent storm begins to impact the forecast area. Storm instabilities will develop through the day and will begin to add stress to a more consequential persistent slab problem.  Monitor new snow accumulations and intensity while allowing a wide buffer in terrain selection to manage for lurking deeper instabilities.

Expect changing conditions with avalanche danger rising to CONSIDERABLE by this evening as a potent storm begins to impact the forecast area. Storm instabilities will develop through the day and will begin to add stress to a more consequential persistent slab problem.  Monitor new snow accumulations and intensity while allowing a wide buffer in terrain selection to manage for lurking deeper instabilities.

It has been a week since our major storm and avalanche cycle, and the snowpack is gradually adjusting.  Although the likelihood of triggering a persistent slab avalanche has significantly decreased, the consequences of triggering one of these avalanches remains large and deadly.  Carefully assess the snowpack and give yourself a wide buffer to allow for uncertainty when managing this complex problem.  

The likelihood of triggering a persistent slab avalanche continues to slowly decrease under our stable weather pattern, but the expected size remains the same.   Triggering a surprisingly large and deadly avalanche is possible today.  Carefully assess the snowpack and allow for a large margin of error when choosing terrain.