Recent incremental snowfall, combined with breezy westerly winds, has formed wind slabs on upper elevation leeward and cross loaded slopes. In many locations these slabs are resting on the stout Thanksgiving rain crust which may act as a slippery bed surface.  Forecasted snow and wind Saturday night/Sunday will thicken these slabs and potentially increase the wind slab hazard. Evaluate all upper elevation wind loaded terrain before committing to a slope.

Last night's storm produced new snow with moderate wind speeds and strong gusts. Over the next few days, winds will continue so anticipate wind slab formation to increase in our higher elevation terrain. Wind slabs are more sensitive to human triggering shortly after formation especially in steeper terrain. Wind slabs are now sitting on top of our Thanksgiving rain crust so use small test slopes to assess the depth and sensitivity before committing to slopes steeper than 35 degrees. 

Last night's storm produced new snow with moderate wind speeds and strong gusts. Over the next few days, winds will continue so anticipate wind slab formation to increase in our higher elevation terrain. Wind slabs are more sensitive to human triggering shortly after formation especially in steeper terrain. Wind slabs are now sitting on top of our Thanksgiving rain crust so use small test slopes to assess the depth and sensitivity before committing to slopes steeper than 35 degrees. 

Recent substantial rain, combined with above freezing temperatures, has created a wet avalanche problem at all elevations. Natural avalanche activity is diminishing but human triggered avalanches in the saturated snow surface remain a concern. A deeper weak layer in the snowpack has also been stressed by the weight of this storm. Give the snowpack time to adjust to this unusual event while recreating on lower angle terrain and practicing safe travel techniques.

Special Avalanche Bulletin:  Dangerous avalanche conditions will develop overnight and continue through Thursday.  Rapid warming and significant rainfall will cause widespread areas of unstable snow at mid and upper elevations.  Natural avalanches are likely.  Avalanches may run into areas with minimal snow coverage.  TRAVEL IN OR BELOW AVALANCHE TERRAIN IS NOT RECOMMENDED. 

Special Avalanche Bulletin:  Dangerous avalanche conditions will develop overnight and continue through Thursday.  Rapid warming and significant rainfall will cause widespread areas of unstable snow at mid and upper elevations.  Natural avalanches are likely.  Avalanches may run into areas with minimal snow coverage.  TRAVEL IN OR BELOW AVALANCHE TERRAIN IS NOT RECOMMENDED. 

Early Season Snowpack Update:  Dangerous avalanche conditions will be developing at mid to upper elevations over the next several days as heavy precipitation, intense winds, and rising freezing levels take aim on Northwest Montana.  Natural avalanche activity will increase as this system evolves.  Backcountry travelers should expect rapidly changing conditions and avoid traveling on or below steep avalanche terrain, especially in terrain receiving intense windloading or rain on snow.  

Early Season Snowpack Update: Another round of snowfall and wind will be impacting our region over the next 4 to 5 days. Going into the weekend, backcountry travelers should pay attention to storm totals and be wary of freshly windloaded slopes. An early season avalanche could result in an unpleasant ride over numerous obstacles due to shallow snow coverage.  

The FAC will continue monitoring conditions through the fall and post updates as the snowpack evolves.

Early Season Snowpack Update: Another round of snowfall and wind will be impacting our region over the next 4 to 5 days. Going into the weekend, backcountry travelers should pay attention to storm totals and be wary of freshly windloaded slopes. An early season avalanche could result in an unpleasant ride over numerous obstacles due to shallow snow coverage.  

The FAC will continue monitoring conditions through the fall and post updates as the snowpack evolves.

Early Season Snowpack Update: Expect changing avalanche hazards over the next 48 hours with the arrival of new snow and strong southwest winds.  Cracking snow in windloaded terrain is a sign of instability indicating avalanches will be sensitive to human triggers, with an unpleasant ride giving way to potentially high consequences.  

The FAC will monitor conditions through the fall and post updates as the snowpack evolves. 

Early Season Snowpack Update: New snow on Thursday and Friday accompanied by increasing southwest winds will form fresh wind slabs on high elevation, leeward aspects.  Thicker drifts, shooting cracks, or drifting snow are signs to be wary of steep, wlndloaded terrain.   Early season obstacles are prevalent, and a small avalanche could result in a harsh ride over rocks and vegetation. 

The FAC will monitor conditions through the fall and post updates as the snowpack evolves. 

Early Season Snowpack Update: New snow on Thursday and Friday accompanied by increasing southwest winds will form fresh wind slabs on high elevation, leeward aspects.  Thicker drifts, shooting cracks, or drifting snow are signs to be wary of steep, wlndloaded terrain.   Early season obstacles are prevalent, and a small avalanche could result in a harsh ride over rocks and vegetation. 

The FAC will monitor conditions through the fall and post updates as the snowpack evolves. 

Early Season Snowpack Update:  Fresh snow and gusty northeasterly winds have created storm instabilities on windloaded and shaded aspects, especially at high elevations.  Avalanches will be sensitive to human triggers, and an early season slide will result in an unpleasant ride given our thin snow coverage.  Cracking snow and deeper drifts are signs to avoid steep terrain. Be prepared for avalanche hazards this weekend.  

The FAC will monitor conditions through the fall and post updates as the snowpack evolves.  

Early Season Snowpack Update:  Fresh snow and gusty northeasterly winds have created storm instabilities on windloaded and shaded aspects, especially at high elevations.  Avalanches will be sensitive to human triggers, and an early season slide will result in an unpleasant ride given our thin snow coverage.  Cracking snow and deeper drifts are signs to avoid steep terrain. Be prepared for avalanche hazards this weekend.  

The FAC will monitor conditions through the fall and post updates as the snowpack evolves.