We are deeply saddened to report a fatal avalanche accident that occurred on Stanton Mountain in Glacier National Park yesterday (more below).  Lingering wind slab instability exists throughout the advisory area particularly in locations where they formed on weak snow.  The avalanche danger is MODERATE above 5000 feet where human triggered avalanches are possible. Carefully evaluate wind loaded slopes and keep in mind the potential for a small avalanche to step down in to deeper weak layers. 

Wind slabs formed early in the week may no longer present obvious signs of instability and may prove stubborn in stability tests. However, it remains possible to trigger an avalanche in these ageing slabs particularly where they formed on weak, faceted snow. The avalanche danger is MODERATE above 5000 feet. Carefully evaluate wind loaded areas before committing to a slope and keep in mind that small wind slab avalanches could step down to deeper weak layers in the snowpack.

Wind slabs formed early in the week may no longer present obvious signs of instability and may prove stubborn in stability tests. However, it remains possible to trigger an avalanche in these ageing slabs particularly where they formed on weak, faceted snow. The avalanche danger is MODERATE above 5000 feet. Carefully evaluate wind loaded areas before committing to a slope and keep in mind that small wind slab avalanches could step down to deeper weak layers in the snowpack.

Winds have slackened, but previous strong northeasterly winds formed wind slabs and hard slabs. Careful snowpack evaluation is essential in wind-loaded terrain today. Hard slabs can exist on north, northeast, and east facing terrain, and this type of avalanche could step down to deeper weak layers. The avalanche danger is MODERATE above 5000 feet, and LOW at the lower elevations today.

Strong northeast winds formed fresh wind slabs and created hard slabs as well. Careful snowpack evaluation is essential in wind-loaded terrain today. Hard slabs can exist on north, northeast, and east facing terrain, and this type of avalanche could step down to deeper weak layers. The avalanche danger is CONSIDERABLE above 6000 feet, MODERATE at the mid-elevation, and LOW below 5000 feet today.

Strong northeast winds formed fresh wind slabs and created hard slabs as well. Careful snowpack evaluation is essential in wind-loaded terrain today. Hard slabs can exist on north, northeast, and east facing terrain, and this type of avalanche could step down to deeper weak layers. The avalanche danger is CONSIDERABLE above 6000 feet, MODERATE at the mid-elevation, and LOW below 5000 feet today.

Moderate to strong northeasterly winds have formed fresh wind slabs on atypical slopes. Continued wind today will add to their thickness and distribution. Human triggered avalanches are likely in wind loaded terrain. The avalanche danger is CONSIDERABLE on wind loaded terrain above 5000 feet. Cautious route finding and conservative decision making are essential today.

A shift in wind direction, accompanied by increasing wind speeds, has formed fresh wind slabs on atypical slopes. These will continue to form and thicken throughout the day. Wind slabs formed on typical leeward slopes over the past few days are still a concern. Human triggered avalanches are likely in wind loaded terrain. The avalanche danger is CONSIDERABLE on wind loaded terrain above 5000 feet. Cautious route-finding and conservative decision making are essential today.

A shift in wind direction, accompanied by increasing wind speeds, has formed fresh wind slabs on atypical slopes. These will continue to form and thicken throughout the day. Wind slabs formed on typical leeward slopes over the past few days are still a concern. Human triggered avalanches are likely in wind loaded terrain. The avalanche danger is CONSIDERABLE on wind loaded terrain above 5000 feet. Cautious route-finding and conservative decision making are essential today.

Recent snowfall and winds have continued to develop wind slabs. Increasing wind speeds today will add to this problem. Human triggered avalanches are likely, particularly in wind loaded terrain. The avalanche danger is CONSIDERABLE on wind loaded terrain above 5000 feet. Cautious route-finding and conservative decision making are essential today.

Periods of heavy snowfall with relatively warm temperatures overnight combined with increased wind speeds created dangerous avalanche conditions. Human triggered avalanches are likely, particularly in wind loaded terrain. The avalanche danger is CONSIDERABLE above 5000 feet. Cautious route-finding and conservative decision making are essential today.

Periods of heavy snowfall with relatively warm temperatures overnight combined with increased wind speeds created dangerous avalanche conditions. Human triggered avalanches are likely, particularly in wind loaded terrain. The avalanche danger is CONSIDERABLE above 5000 feet. Cautious route-finding and conservative decision making are essential today.

Moderate to strong wind over the past few days drifted the recent snow and created fresh wind slabs on leeward slopes and cross loaded mid-elevation features. The avalanche danger is MODERATE above 5000 feet where human triggered avalanches are possible.  Carefully evaluate recently wind loaded slopes before skiing or riding on them.  

The storm left us with great snow to play in, but also reactive wind and storm slabs. Human triggered avalanches are likely and natural avalanches are possible. The avalanche danger above 5000 feet is CONSIDERABLE. Below 5000 feet, the danger is MODERATE where it is possible to trigger an avalanche.