Continue to bring a conservative mindset to the mountains. As you gain elevation, the risk of triggering a slab avalanche 1 to 2 feet deep grows. The easiest way to avoid a potentially deadly avalanche is to stay off of and out from underneath slopes greater than 35 degrees.

Sadly, two snowmobilers were killed in an avalanche yesterday near Seeley Lake, south of our forecast area.  This is a tragic reminder that the snowpack in our corner of the state is untrustworthy right now.  Several tricky weak layers below a foot or more of new snow are conspiring to make dangerous avalanche conditions.  Bring a conservative mindset into the backcountry today.

Sadly, two snowmobilers were killed in an avalanche yesterday near Seeley Lake, south of our forecast area.  This is a tragic reminder that the snowpack in our corner of the state is untrustworthy right now.  Several tricky weak layers below a foot or more of new snow are conspiring to make dangerous avalanche conditions.  Bring a conservative mindset into the backcountry today.

A Special Avalanche Bulletin is in effect for NW Montana.  Dense snowfall and strong winds are creating unstable slabs on a variety of weak and slick surfaces.  Avalanches breaking in the new snow will be easy to trigger today, and some have the potential to step down and produce very large slides that break near the ground.  The safest riding today is on slopes less than 35 degrees or in wind-sheltered terrain that has less than 6" of new snow.  

As the snow falls and the wind blows, the danger will rise. Be vigilant in the face of changing conditions. The later you are in the mountains today, the more conservative you should be. Watch for blowing snow in exposed areas near ridgelines and on cross-loaded slopes. Monitor storm totals as precipitation increases throughout the day. Shooting cracks are a red flag signaling you to dial back your terrain choices. Large, persistent slab avalanches may become possible with more loading.

As the snow falls and the wind blows, the danger will rise. Be vigilant in the face of changing conditions. The later you are in the mountains today, the more conservative you should be. Watch for blowing snow in exposed areas near ridgelines and on cross-loaded slopes. Monitor storm totals as precipitation increases throughout the day. Shooting cracks are a red flag signaling you to dial back your terrain choices.

Use safe travel techniques as you enjoy a last day of calm weather and low avalanche danger before a storm arrives tonight. Carry rescue gear, travel with a good partner, and limit your exposure in steep terrain by riding one at a time. Watch for terrain traps that can turn a small sluff into a bigger problem. Expect the danger to change as a storm system approaches tomorrow.

Near the crest of the Flathead Range and in the high peaks of Glacier National Park, there are still slopes where you can to trigger a slide that breaks near the ground, on facets and crusts buried in early season. In this terrain, pick your lines carefully, to avoid the slopes most likely to harbor this lingering danger. Triggered sluffs of dry, cohesionless snow can be dangerous if they sweep you into or over a terrain trap. 

Avalanche conditions are generally safe. On isolated slopes above about 6000 feet, you might still be able to trigger a slide that breaks near the ground, on facets and crusts buried in November. Or, you can trigger sluffs of dry, cohesionless snow that can be dangerous if they sweep you into or over a terrain trap. As insurance against surprises, ride with rescue gear, ride one a time in steep terrain, and keep your partners in sight.

Steep slopes where it looks most like winter are the slopes where large avalanches that break on old snow remain a lingering hazard. These slopes exist mostly at upper elevations, near and below ridgelines and summits, though isolated examples exist at mid elevations. Small, thin slabs of drifted snow may pose a danger today in steep start zones on the lee sides of ridges. Avoid pockets of new and drifted snow more than about 8 inches thick. 

In Glacier National Park and the Flathead Range, it remains possible to trigger a large avalanche that can bury or injure you. Your chances of triggering a slide are greatest in steep, upper-elevation terrain with thin and variable snow cover. If the snowpack and your decisions lead you into this kind of terrain today, travel one at a time, and if your uncertainty grows, choose simpler terrain away from large start zones. Enjoy safer riding conditions below roughly 6000 feet.

In the Whitefish and Swan Ranges, the likelihood of triggering a large avalanche is low but not impossible. Continue to approach steep slopes above 6000 feet with with caution - look for cracking, collapsing, or recent avalanche activity - if you are uncertain, select lower-angle, less-consequential terrain.

In the Whitefish and Swan Ranges, the likelihood of triggering a large avalanche is low, but not impossible. Although the snowpack has been quiet, continue to approach steep slopes above 6000 feet with a fresh set of eyes - looking for cracking, collapsing, or recent avalanche activity. Maintain safe travel protocols and travel one at a time through avalanche terrain.

Numerous destructive avalanches ran last weekend in the Flathead Range and Glacier Park.  Although the snowpack continues to recover from last weekend's storm, triggering a large and dangerous persistent slab remains a possibility.  The lingering concern - slabs several feet thick over early-season weak layers - are most likely to be triggered from steep, high elevation terrain with variable snow coverage or unsupported rollovers.  Use caution in alpine terrain.