THIS AVALANCHE FORECAST EXPIRED ON April 1, 2018 @ 6:00 pm
Avalanche Forecast published on April 1, 2018 @ 7:00 am
Issued by Mark Dundas - Flathead National Forest

Whitefish Range
Swan Range
Flathead Range and Glacier National Park

How to read the forecast

The snowpack is generally stable. Lingering wind slab instabilities remain, especially near the Continental Divide. A potent storm will impact our area later today with the avalanche danger rising around sunset. Be prepared for changing conditions.

1. Low

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Above 6500 ft.
Generally safe avalanche conditions. Watch for unstable snow on isolated terrain features.

1. Low

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5000-6500 ft.
Generally safe avalanche conditions. Watch for unstable snow on isolated terrain features.

1. Low

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3500-5000 ft.
Generally safe avalanche conditions. Watch for unstable snow on isolated terrain features.
    Generally safe avalanche conditions. Watch for unstable snow on isolated terrain features.
  • 1. Low
  • 2. Moderate
  • 3. Considerable
  • 4. High
  • 5. Extreme
Avalanche Problem 1: Wind Slab
  • Type ?
  • Aspect/Elevation ?
  • Likelihood ?
    Certain
    Very Likely
    Likely
    Possible
    Unlikely
  • Size ?
    Historic
    Very Large
    Large
    Small

Yesterday's dry weather and decreasing winds have allowed recently formed slabs to gain strength. Slabs will be thickest and most reactive closer to the Continental Divide where up to 6" of snow fell Friday night.  Look for pillows of snow below ridgelines and in gulley features. Evaluate all steep or convex wind-loaded slopes. Cracking in the snow surface is a sign of instability.

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Yesterday, we enjoyed partly sunny skies, decreasing winds, and cool temperatures. This allowed recently formed wind slabs to strengthen but lingering instabilities may remain. Evaluate all wind loaded terrain especially in areas favored by recent snowfall. 

Today's big news is no April Fool's Day joke. A potent storm will affect our area later today with heavy snow and gusty southwest winds. The avalanche danger will rise and we expect to reach CONSIDERABLE danger tonight. If this storm arrives earlier than forecast the danger may rise this afternoon. Be alert for changing weather conditions and allow for a change in plans.

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Weather and CURRENT CONDITIONS
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weather summary

Gusty westerly winds and mountain snow will once again be on the increase this afternoon across all of the Northern Rockies. Snow levels are expected to be above 4000 feet with the onset of precipitation this afternoon but will quickly lower to below 3000 feet this evening after a cold frontal passage.

Two-Day Mountain Weather Forecast Produced in partnership with the Missoula NWS
For 5000 ft. to 7000 ft.
Sunday Sunday Night Monday
Cloud Cover: Increasing clouds with snow developing Heavy snow and windy Light snow and windy
Temperatures: 32 to 37 deg. F. 10 to 15 deg. F. 25 to 30 deg. F.
Wind Direction: SW NW N
Wind Speed: 5 to 15 mph, gusting 25 mph 10 to 15 gusting to 30 mph 5 to 10 mph, gusting 20 mph
Snowfall: 1 to 3 in. 5 to 7 in. 1 to 3 in.
Snow Line:
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.