Early Season Snowpack Update:  A winter storm will bring an increased threat of storm instabilities on some high elevation slopes into this weekend.  Mountain travelers should anticipate changing conditions, monitor storm totals, and carry avalanche gear. 

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

Fall Advisory Statement:  Shallow, early season snow coverage exists above 6,000 ft.  Avalanche concerns are minimal under our current conditions, but you are most likely to find lurking instabilities on terrain features holding deep enough snow to cover rocks and vegetation - generally wind-loaded features.  If you are traveling in the alpine, carry avalanche gear and be mindful of terrain consequences.  The FAC will monitor conditions through the fall and post updates as the snowpack evolves.  

Fall Advisory Statement:  Shallow, early season snow coverage exists above 6,000 ft.  Avalanche concerns are minimal under our current conditions, but you are most likely to find lurking instabilities on terrain features holding deep enough snow to cover rocks and vegetation - generally wind-loaded features.  If you are traveling in the alpine, carry avalanche gear and be mindful of terrain consequences.  The FAC will monitor conditions through the fall and post updates as the snowpack evolves.  

Fall Advisory Statement:  A series of increasingly powerful systems will bring snow and wind to high elevations through the weekend.  Watch for changing conditions and isolated instabilities developing on wind-loaded slopes above treeline.  Exposed rocks and cliffs will amplify the consequences of an avalanche. Identify and avoid thicker deposits of wind-drifted snow.  The FAC will monitor conditions through the fall and post updates as the snowpack evolves.  

Fall Advisory Statement:  Avalanche accidents can happen long before the chairlifts start spinning.  Recent snow accompanied by gusty winds has increased the threat of sensitive wind slabs at higher elevations.  Be wary of fresh wind drifts below ridgelines or in cross-loaded gullies.  Even a small avalanche can have severe consequences if you get dragged into rocks or through vegetation.   The FAC will monitor conditions through the fall and post updates as the snowpack evolves. 

Fall Advisory Statement:  Avalanche accidents can happen long before the chairlifts start spinning.  Recent snow accompanied by gusty winds has increased the threat of sensitive wind slabs at higher elevations.  Be wary of fresh wind drifts below ridgelines or in cross-loaded gullies.  Even a small avalanche can have severe consequences if you get dragged into rocks or through vegetation.   The FAC will monitor conditions through the fall and post updates as the snowpack evolves. 

Fall Advisory Statement:  Avalanche accidents can happen long before the chairlifts start spinning.  If you are traveling on high elevation, snow-covered slopes, be mindful of isolated instabilities.  The consequences of a small avalanche this time of year are amplified by rocks, trees, or cliffs.  Be wary of windloaded or deeper snow in alpine terrain, especially where it has accumulated over old snow or ice layers.  The FAC will monitor conditions through the fall and post updates as the snowpack evolves. 

Spring Avalanche Statement -Spring in northwest Montana brings a mixed bag of weather. Snow, rain, sun, and everything in between can occur all in one day. This can greatly affect avalanche conditions. It is essential to pay attention to changing conditions as these changes can happen rapidly and stability can also deteriorate fairly quickly. Avalanches still happen in the spring and it is important to not let your guard down.

Spring Avalanche Statement -Spring in northwest Montana brings a mixed bag of weather. Snow, rain, sun, and everything in between can occur all in one day. This can greatly affect avalanche conditions. It is essential to pay attention to changing conditions as these changes can happen rapidly and stability can also deteriorate fairly quickly. Avalanches still happen in the spring and it is important to not let your guard down.

Special Advisory Statement: Significant amounts of new snow combined with a warming trend will create dangerous avalanche conditions into the weekend, especially on Saturday.  Natural loose wet avalanches will become likely under rising freezing levels and direct sunshine (see video).  With snowfall in excess of 20" in higher terrain, these slides can entrain dangerously large volumes. Watch for rapidly changing conditions and be mindful of overhead hazards if you are traveling in the mountains this weekend.

Spring Avalanche Statement -Spring in northwest Montana brings a mixed bag of weather. Snow, rain, sun, and everything in between can occur all in one day. This can greatly affect avalanche conditions. It is essential to pay attention to changing conditions as these changes can happen rapidly and stability can also deteriorate fairly quickly. Avalanches still happen in the spring and it is important to not let your guard down.

Spring Avalanche Statement -Spring in northwest Montana brings a mixed bag of weather. Snow, rain, sun, and everything in between can occur all in one day. This can greatly affect avalanche conditions. It is essential to pay attention to changing conditions as these changes can happen rapidly and stability can also deteriorate fairly quickly. Avalanches still happen in the spring and it is important to not let your guard down.

Light snow overnight, combined with wind, has elevated the avalanche danger. This new and windblown snow is being deposited onto a crust which will act as a slippery bed surface for wind slabs and storm slabs. The avalanche danger is MODERATE above 5000'. Evaluate all wind loaded terrain and areas favored by snowfall before committing to a slope. Today is the last daily advisory issued by the FAC for the season. 

Cool overnight temperatures have formed a thin surface crust at all elevations. This crust will weaken throughout the day as temperatures warm and especially if forecasted precipitation enters our area sooner than expected. At upper elevations there exists a layer of unconsolidated surface snow that is susceptible to triggering a larger wet loose avalanche. The avalanche danger is LOW. Pay attention to changing snow surface and weather conditions today while continuing to practice safe backcountry travel techniques.