The hazard is MODERATE above 5500 feet due to lingering storm and persistent slabs with the potential for wet, loose avalanches as the day warms. Below 5500 feet the hazard is LOW. Since last Thursday through Tuesday over 1-2 feet of heavy, wet snow accumulated above 6000 feet. Human triggered avalanches are possible so evaluate snow and terrain carefully today. The hazard could be higher if skies clear more than expected and wet snow avalanches become more likely.

Heavy, wet snow and rain overnight continuing into today created unstable conditions. The hazard is CONSIDERABLE above 5000 feet and MODERATE below 5000 feet. Human triggered avalanches are likely and natural avalanches are possible today. Since last Thursday a series of warm, wet storms deposited substantial new snow above 6500 feet and rain on snow below this elevation. Dangerous avalanche conditions exist and cautious route-finding and conservative decision making are essential.

Heavy, wet snow and rain overnight continuing into today created unstable conditions. The hazard is CONSIDERABLE above 5000 feet and MODERATE below 5000 feet. Human triggered avalanches are likely and natural avalanches are possible today. Since last Thursday a series of warm, wet storms deposited substantial new snow above 6500 feet and rain on snow below this elevation. Dangerous avalanche conditions exist and cautious route-finding and conservative decision making are essential.

A substantial amount of wet, heavy snow or rain, strong gusty winds, and warm temperatures created dangerous avalanche conditions. The hazard is HIGH on all slopes above 6000 feet. Travel in avalanche terrain and run-out zones is not recommended. The hazard below 6000 feet is CONSIDERABLE and human triggered storm slab and loose, wet avalanches are likely. At low to mid elevations it is just as important to consider the terrain above you as assessing the slope below.

Recent snow totals favored the northern part of the advisory area. The hazard is in the Swan Range is CONSIDERABLE on slopes above 5000 feet especially where wind drifted snow created slabs over an existing weak snow structure. Other terrain above 5000 feet is rated MODERATE and human triggered avalanches are possible. Be aware of changing weather conditions today and carefully evaluate recent storm instability before commiting to a slope.

In many locations across the advisory area temperatures failed to drop below freezing in the past 24 hours. Warm temperatures combined with moderate to strong wind and rain on a previously weak snow structure created dangerous avalanche conditions. The hazard is HIGH on wind loaded slopes above 6000 feet and travel in this terrain and avalanche run-out zones is not recommended. Other terrain above 5000 feet is rated CONSIDERABLE and human triggered loose, wet and storm slab avalanches are likely.

The hazard is HIGH above 6000 ft. and CONSIDERABLE below 6000 feet, particularly in the northern part of the ranges. Heavy, wet snow, strong winds, and rain on new snow continues to accumulate over a weak layer of buried surface hoar that sits on a crust throughout most of the advisory area. Dangerous avalanche conditions exist and both human triggered and natural avalanches will become more likely as the day progresses. Travel in avalanche terrain is not recommended.

The avalanche hazard will increase throughout the day. The hazard will rise to CONSIDERABLE on all slopes above 5000 feet as heavy, wet snow accumulates over a weak layer of buried surface hoar that sits on a crust. Dangerous avalanche conditions will develop and human triggered avalanches will become more likely as the day progresses. Natural activity will also be possible. Expect the hazard to rise over the next few days as this potent storm moves through the advisory area.

The avalanche hazard will increase throughout the day. The hazard will rise to CONSIDERABLE on all slopes above 5000 feet as heavy, wet snow accumulates over a weak layer of buried surface hoar that sits on a crust. Dangerous avalanche conditions will develop and human triggered avalanches will become more likely as the day progresses. Natural activity will also be possible. Expect the hazard to rise over the next few days as this potent storm moves through the advisory area.

New snow (4-10 inches) accompanied by moderate to strong winds over the past 48 hours created sensitive wind slabs. These new slabs sit on top of a weak layer of buried surface hoar and a crust. This combination makes the hazard CONSIDERABLE on wind loaded slopes above 5000 feet. Human triggered avalanches are likely in wind loaded terrain today. All other terrain is rated MODERATE where human triggered avalanches are possible. 

2-4 inches of new snow fell on a variety of surfaces including surface hoar and crusts. Pay close attention to wind loaded slopes where thicker slabs could be present today. The avalanche hazard is likely to increase as more snow falls today through the week. The next regularly scheduled advisory will be issues Tuesday, Feb. 3, 2015.

2-4 inches of new snow fell on a variety of surfaces including surface hoar and crusts. Pay close attention to wind loaded slopes where thicker slabs could be present today. The avalanche hazard is likely to increase as more snow falls today through the week. The next regularly scheduled advisory will be issues Tuesday, Feb. 3, 2015.

Human triggered avalanches remain possible on steep slopes above 6000 feet where the hazard is MODERATE. Assess the snow pack for layers of weak snow 1.5-3 feet deep, and choose conservative terrain where it exists and proves reactive. Below 6000 feet the hazard is LOW. Normal caution should be exercised while traveling in the backcountry like carrying your avalanche rescue gear and only exposing one person at a time to avalanche terrain.

The avalanche hazard is MODERATE on steep slopes above 6000 feet for the lingering possibility of triggering 1.5-3 foot thick persistent slabs. Dig into the snow and look for these layers and see if they are reactive to stability tests. Below 6000 feet the hazard is LOW. Remember that Low hazard does not mean no hazard. Continue to practice safe back country travel technique and perform site specific snow pack assessment.