Active weather is returning to the Flathead Valley.  Decent moisture paired with high freezing levels will bring dense snow to high elevations and rain elsewhere this weekend.  A cooling trend and downturn in precipitation intensity will follow into next week.  On most terrain, snowfall will be accumulating on bare ground, posing no avalanche threats.  However, the snow coverage that has survived the October dry spell has metamorphosed to weak facets and crusts, which will be reactive under accumulating slabs.  Our recent observations suggest these weak layers are patchy and isolated to high elevation, northerly aspects, particularly in the Flathead Range and Glacier National Park.  If you are hiking, skiing, climbing, or hunting in this type of terrain, bring appropriate avalanche gear and pay attention to snow depths and snow structure.  Remember that even a small slide can have bad consequences if you get dragged over rocks, as this hiker found out a few weeks ago in Colorado.   The FAC will monitor conditions through the fall and post updates as conditions warrant. 

Now is the time to get your gear dialed and brush up on your avalanche knowledge.   The 2018 Northern Rockies Snow and Avalanche Workshop has a great lineup of presentations, vendor booths, raffles, and an all-around good time.  The event is November 3rd, 2018....all the details are here.