The avalanche danger is MODERATE above 6000 feet and LOW below this. The rain crust is key to determining stability right now.  Where it is present it will increase stability.  Where it isn't found or is breaking down, it is possible to trigger an avalanche on an older persistent weak layer or wind loaded slopes. Today's potential above-freezing temperatures and abundant sunshine may increase the avalanche danger. Pay attention to these changing conditions and adjust travel plans accordingly.

The avalanche danger is MODERATE above 5000 feet and LOW below this. Wind slabs formed over the past weekend need time to stabilize. You are more likely to trigger a wind slab avalanche in alpine terrain, but be cautious of all wind-loaded slopes. It is also possible to trigger an avalanche on an older persistent weak layer. Today's potential above-freezing temperatures and abundant sunshine may increase the avalanche danger. Pay attention to these changing conditions and adjust travel plans accordingly.

The avalanche danger is MODERATE above 5000 feet and LOW below this. Wind slabs formed over the past weekend need time to stabilize. You are more likely to trigger a wind slab avalanche in alpine terrain, but be cautious of all wind-loaded slopes. It is also possible to trigger an avalanche on an older persistent weak layer. Today's potential above-freezing temperatures and abundant sunshine may increase the avalanche danger. Pay attention to these changing conditions and adjust travel plans accordingly.

Fresh wind slabs continue to form and thicken above Thursday's rain line. Our weak snowpack structure is now capped by a thick slab deposited during last weeks strong storms. The avalanche danger is CONSIDERABLE above 6000 feet and MODERATE below. Triggering a wind slab avalanche today is likely and it is possible to trigger an avalanche on a buried weak layer at all elevations. Conservative decision-making remains essential on all aspects. 

Moderate to strong winds over the past 48 hours have formed fresh wind slabs, especially in the alpine. Storms over the past week have deposited a thick slab on top of a weak snowpack structure. The avalanche danger is CONSIDERABLE above 6000 feet. You are likely to trigger a wind slab avalanche today and it is possible to trigger an avalanche on a buried weak layer at all elevations. Conservative decision-making remains essential on all aspects. 

Moderate to strong winds over the past 48 hours have formed fresh wind slabs, especially in the alpine. Storms over the past week have deposited a thick slab on top of a weak snowpack structure. The avalanche danger is CONSIDERABLE above 6000 feet. You are likely to trigger a wind slab avalanche today and it is possible to trigger an avalanche on a buried weak layer at all elevations. Conservative decision-making remains essential on all aspects. 

Strong winds overnight continue to form and thicken wind slabs, especially in the alpine. Recent heavy precipitation and fluctuating temperatures have stressed our weak snowpack structure. The avalanche danger is CONSIDERABLE above 5000 feet. You are likely to trigger a wind slab avalanche today and it is possible to trigger an avalanche on a buried weak layer. Conservative decision-making remains essential on all aspects. 

Very dangerous avalanche conditions exist. Heavy precipitation combined with strong winds and relatively warm temperatures over the past 24 hours created an unstable snow pack. The avalanche danger is HIGH above 6000 feet and CONSIDERABLE below. Avoid avalanche terrain in the upper elevations and exposure to run-out zones of avalanche paths that reach into the alpine.  Conservative decision-making remains essential in low to mid elevations due to the continued possibility for large, natural avalanches. 

Very dangerous avalanche conditions exist. Heavy precipitation combined with strong winds and relatively warm temperatures over the past 24 hours created an unstable snow pack. The avalanche danger is HIGH above 6000 feet and CONSIDERABLE below. Avoid avalanche terrain in the upper elevations and exposure to run-out zones of avalanche paths that reach into the alpine.  Conservative decision-making remains essential in low to mid elevations due to the continued possibility for large, natural avalanches. 

An AVALANCHE WARNING is in effect. A relatively warm, wet system moved into the area late yesterday and brought substantial precipitation to the mountains. Today should see strong winds, continued heavy rain/snow, and warming temperatures that will likely tip the scale on a snowpack that was still recovering from last weekend's enormous stress. Natural and human triggered avalanches are likely. The avalanche danger is HIGH, travel in avalanche terrain and run-out zones is not recommended.

The widespread natural avalanche cycle has slowed, but human triggered avalanches are still likely and natural avalanches are possible. The storm ended Monday and the new snow has had a little time to strengthen, but it still sits on a weak snowpack and instabilities associated with the storm are lingering. Careful snowpack evaluation, cautious route-finding and conservative decision-making are essential. The danger is CONSIDERABLE at all elevations today.

The widespread natural avalanche cycle has slowed, but human triggered avalanches are still likely and natural avalanches are possible. The storm ended Monday and the new snow has had a little time to strengthen, but it still sits on a weak snowpack and instabilities associated with the storm are lingering. Careful snowpack evaluation, cautious route-finding and conservative decision-making are essential. The danger is CONSIDERABLE at all elevations today.

An AVALANCHE WARNING was extended today. Large, natural avalanches were reported as recently as last night. The storm dropped up to 4.5 inches of SWE (over 50 inches of snow) in some locations since Friday onto a weak snowpack. While the storm tapered yesterday afternoon, the snowpack needs time to adjust to this new load. Travel in avalanche terrain and run-out zones is not recommended. The danger is High above 5000 feet today. See Whitefish Range here.

AVALANCHE WARNING IN EFFECT. The avalanche danger is EXTREME at upper elevations. The current storm has added over 3" of water to a snowpack that consists of a variety of weak layers. Both natural and human triggered avalanches are certain. Avoid all avalanche terrain. Stay off of and out from underneath slopes steeper than 30 degrees. Avalanches may run long distances and can reach into mature forests.