A bit of precipitation expected today won't change the current snowpack too much. A shallow, early season snowpack still exists throughout much of the advisory area. Limited observations show a weak snowpack structure near the surface consisting of facets (weak snow). It's important to watch how the snowpack develops now before the next storm. Continue to carry proper avalanche safety gear, know how to use it, and follow safe avalanche terrain travel protocols. 

Moderate to strong winds accompanied by another shot of snow over the past 24 hours likely formed new windslabs. If you venture out into the cold today, be aware of new, shallow wind slabs on leeward and crossloaded slopes. Assess recently windloaded areas before commiting to a slope. 

Substantial precipitation and strong winds over the past 24 hours created fresh windslabs at mid and upper-elevations. Unfortunately, the best coverage in the mid-elevations will be found in recent wind-loaded areas which will also be the most unstable. Avoid slopes with wind-drifted snow and pay attention to signs of instability like cracking, collapsing, and recent avalanche activity.

Substantial precipitation and strong winds over the past 24 hours created fresh windslabs at mid and upper-elevations. Unfortunately, the best coverage in the mid-elevations will be found in recent wind-loaded areas which will also be the most unstable. Avoid slopes with wind-drifted snow and pay attention to signs of instability like cracking, collapsing, and recent avalanche activity.

The warm and wet storm will continue through today (Saturday) with snow above 6000-6500 ft. and rain below. New snow and wind will likely create wind slabs near ridges and in gullies at upper elevations. Warming and rain will also create an upside down snowpack at upper elevations. At mid-elevations (4500-6000 ft.) rain has begun to melt the existing early season snowpack. Continue to pay close attention to signs of instability like cracking, collapsing, and recent avalanche activity.

Winter is finally creeping its way in to the region and down the mountains into the valleys. New snow and moderate winds with strong gusts likely created wind drifts near the tops of ridges and in gullies. This means that avalanches have become a real possibility. If there is enough snow to ski or ride, then there is enough snow to avalanche. Pay attention to signs of instability like cracking, collapsing, and recent avalanche activity.

Winter is finally creeping its way in to the region and down the mountains into the valleys. New snow and moderate winds with strong gusts likely created wind drifts near the tops of ridges and in gullies. This means that avalanches have become a real possibility. If there is enough snow to ski or ride, then there is enough snow to avalanche. Pay attention to signs of instability like cracking, collapsing, and recent avalanche activity.

The next few days will see quite a bit of moisture fall throughout the advisory area. Rain/snow line will be at 6000-7000 ft. today (Friday) into Sunday. Temperatures will then decrease and snow levels will drop as a cold air mass moves south out of Canada. If you venture into the mountains searching for turns, hunting, or climbing, remember if there is enough snow to ride, then there is enough to slide.

The transition to fall has certainly occurred with more consistent wet weather and the appearance of snow in the mountains. Fall is a great time to brush up on your avalanche knowledge and skills. See the education page for a list or the events calendar for a calendar of classes this fall and winter. We have a few new website upgrades that we will unveil in the next few weeks, including a new weather station interface.

The transition to fall has certainly occurred with more consistent wet weather and the appearance of snow in the mountains. Fall is a great time to brush up on your avalanche knowledge and skills. See the education page for a list or the events calendar for a calendar of classes this fall and winter. We have a few new website upgrades that we will unveil in the next few weeks, including a new weather station interface.

A series of storms this past week amounted to over foot of new snow in some areas. Gusty winds drifted this new snow and formed wind slabs at high elevation. Also, we may see periods of sun today that will increase the potential to trigger wet avalanches. The hazard is MODERATE above 6000 feet and LOW below this. A notable Spring storm that is expected to move into the region tonight and tomorrow will cause the hazard to rise.

Generally safe conditions exist in the Whitefish Range and the hazard is LOW. Less snow is expected in the Whitefish Range today than in other ranges. Be aware of thin wind slabs in upper elevations, and continue to practice safe backcountry travel technique like only exposing one person to avalanche terrain at a time. Remember that spring weather can often surprise us and more snow than anticipated could cause the hazard to rise.

The hazard is MODERATE above 6000 feet, where it remains possible to trigger recently formed wind slabs. Generally safe conditions exist below 6000 feet, and the hazard is LOW. When traveling in upper elevation terrain, identify wind loaded areas and avoid steep, consequential terrain where wind slabs exist.

Several nights with a strong re-freeze reduced the potential for wet avalanches. The avalanche hazard today is LOW, and generally safe conditions exist. Continue to pay attention to rapidly changing weather conditions, and practice safe backcountry travel technique like only exposing one person at a time to avalanche terrain.