While the mid-elevation snowpack is still trying to transition to winter, there is snow up high and certainly enough for avalanches to occur.  The northern part of the advisory area was favored in the last few storms. At mid and  upper elevations this new snow combined with wind is likely forming wind slabs near the tops of ridges and in gullies. So, pay attention to these changing conditions like wind slab formation. If you venture out in the cold this week, pay attention to the effect the cold and clear weather has on the snow surface. Now that we have a base that is (hopefully) here to stay, you can start to catalog the distribution of future weak layers that may become buried by the next storm. Hunters and climbers should also be aware of changing condtions during the early season as you venture higher into the mountains

The early season is a great time to practice your transceiver skills. You can practice anywhere, and all of the grasses and bushes sticking up out of the snow makes it easy for your partner to hide his/her transceiver. Speaking of practice, it's also a great time to start brushing away the cobwebs in the part of your brain that thinks about avalanches, and attend one of the upcoming classes this fall. Check here for a calendar. The next avalanche awareness class is this Thursday, December 3 at 6:30 pm at the Rocky Mountain Outfitter in Kalispell. Many of these classes are hosted by local shops and retailers, and we appreciate their support in helping educate backcountry users. 

While you are dreaming about powder-filled slopes you might also check out the online tutorials under the Education tab. There are a number of resources from the National Avalanche Center and the American Avalanche Association. There is also a great tutorial from Avalanche Canada as well as their Throttle Decisions video series.

 Also, look for upcoming information on the Snowball from the Friends of the Flathead Avalanche Center (FOFAC). If you are out in the mountains, let us know what you are seeing. How much snow is on the ground? Where was the rain/snow line this past weekend? How were the ice conditions? All of it helps. You can drop us a line at [email protected], call us at 406.387.3821, or submit an observation. 

We will not issue danger ratings until we start issuing regular advisories, and this year we will issue advisories 7 days/week. Woohoo! We will likely begin issuing regular advisories within the first couple weeks of December, conditions dependent. .We will continue to update the site with snowpack and avalanche information as conditions warrant and change.