Avalanche Forecast published on November 16, 2016 @ 5:34 pm
Issued by Todd Hannan - Flathead National Forest

Whitefish Range
Swan Range
Flathead Range and Glacier National Park

How to read the forecast

It feels a lot more like winter with the snow-level inching toward the valley, and continued accumulation in the mountains. It's time to check your gear, put fresh batteries in your beacons, and start thinking about avalanches. A great way to dust off the cob webs is to join us for one of our upcoming avalanche awareness presentations. See upcoming events here.

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Above 6500 ft.

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5000-6500 ft.

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3500-5000 ft.
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Observations Page

Since Tuesday morning (11/15) we picked up 3-10 inches of new snow, and it's starting to add up in the upper-elevations. Stahl Peak SNOTEL is recording the deepest base locally at 32 inches. Recent winds in the mid-30s drifted new snow and likely formed slabs along leeward ridgelines. These will be the most enticing slopes to play on but also have a greater potential to avalanche.

Remember, avalanches can happen any time of the year. The effect of small avalanches can be amplified by thin snow cover, exposed hazards, and narrow gullies. If there is enough snow to ski or ride, it's deep enough to slide.

A small, early season avalanche in high consequence terrain already claimed the life of a backcountry skier near Banff, Alberta, Canada in September. If you are out in the mountains, let us know what you see. This snow may stick around and become the foundation of our snowpack for the season.

HOW TO SUBMIT OBSERVATIONS:

Email: [email protected]

Call and leave a message: 406.387.3821

You can also submit quick observations via text: 406.241.4571 (FAC mobile)

OR

Submit Snowpack Observations: http://www.flatheadavalanche.org/node/add/snowobs

Submit Avalanche Observations: http://www.flatheadavalanche.org/node/add/avyobs

 

 

Join the Friends of the Flathead Avalanche Center (FOFAC) and The Patrol Fund for a fundraiser for avalanche education.

It's an 80s-themed party with a costume contest, raffle prizes (including skis), and a ton of fun.

Doors open at 8:00 pm.

 

 

Weather and CURRENT CONDITIONS
Disclaimer

This advisory applies only to backcountry areas outside established ski area boundaries. This advisory describes general avalanche conditions and local variations always occur. This advisory expires at midnight on the posted day unless otherwise noted. The information in this advisory is provided by the USDA Forest Service who is solely responsible for its content.