An approaching cold front leads a series of disturbances bringing rain and snow over the next few days. Rain will cause potential wet avalanche problems before it cools. Strong winds and new snow will form wind slabs at mid and upper elevations. The avalanche hazard above 5000 ft. is MODERATE and LOW below 5000 ft., but the hazard could rise if more rain falls than expected during this unsettled spring pattern. Pay attention to rapidly changing conditions.

The Hazard is CONSIDERABLE above 6000 feet and MODERATE above 5000 feet. The Flathead Range picked up an inch of water in the past 24 hours. Strong winds with the system created sensitive wind slabs at upper elevations. Warming temperatures and ample sunshine will also increase the wet avalanche hazard as the day progresses. Careful snowpack evaluation and cautious route-finding are essential. See separate advisory for Whitefish and Swan Ranges.

New snow at upper elevations accompanied by strong winds formed new wind slabs. Warming temperatures and some sunshine today will  increase the potential for wet avalanches as the day progresses. The Hazard is MODERATE above 5000 feet and may rise to CONSIDERABLE on sunny aspects later in the day. If the snow surface shows signs of weakening like roller balls and pin wheels forming on steep slopes its time to move to more shaded terrain. Separate advisory for Flathead Range.

 The hazard is MODERATE above 5000 feet and LOW below. A bit of new snow is expected today, accompanied by strong winds that will add depth to recently formed wind slabs. Mountain temperatures remain above freezing in most locations to start the day, so the possibility of triggering loose, wet avalanches remains. Pay close attention to changing conditions as hazard could rise with more snow than anticipated.

It's a mixed bag today - both dry and wet avalanche problems exist. New snow and wind over the past three days formed wind slabs above 6000 feet. Rain on snow, above freezing temperatures, and clearing this afternoon will create potential for wet avalanches. The hazard above 6000 feet today is CONSIDERABLE due to warming, rain, and wind slabs. Human triggered avalanches are likely. The hazard is MODERATE on all other terrain and LOW below 5000 feet.

It's a mixed bag today - both dry and wet avalanche problems exist. New snow and wind over the past three days formed wind slabs above 6000 feet. Rain on snow, above freezing temperatures, and clearing this afternoon will create potential for wet avalanches. The hazard above 6000 feet today is CONSIDERABLE due to warming, rain, and wind slabs. Human triggered avalanches are likely. The hazard is MODERATE on all other terrain and LOW below 5000 feet.

New snow over the past 24 hours combined with moderate winds created heightened avalanche conditions. The hazard above 5500 ft. is MODERATE and LOW below 5500 ft. Wind slabs likely formed yesterday and it will be possible to trigger a wind slab today. Storm slabs are also a concern as snow continues through tonight. Carefully evaluate how this new snow bonds to the old snow. The hazard could rise higher as more snow accumulates over the next 24 hours.

The snow surface froze last night, but it shouldn't take long for the sun and warm temperatures to thaw the new crust. The hazard above 5000 feet is MODERATE on sunny slopes steeper than 35º and LOW elsewhere. The potential to trigger loose, wet avalanches will rise in mid to upper elevations as the sun breaks down the surface crust. At upper elevations where recent snow remains light enough to drift, assess slopes for recently formed and sensitive wind slabs.

The snow surface froze last night, but it shouldn't take long for the sun and warm temperatures to thaw the new crust. The hazard above 5000 feet is MODERATE on sunny slopes steeper than 35º and LOW elsewhere. The potential to trigger loose, wet avalanches will rise in mid to upper elevations as the sun breaks down the surface crust. At upper elevations where recent snow remains light enough to drift, assess slopes for recently formed and sensitive wind slabs.

Most locations did not re-freeze over night resulting in a moist snow surface to start the day. The hazard above 5000 feet is MODERATE for the potential to trigger loose, wet avalanches. Pay close attention to rapid changes in the weather. If we get more precipitation than anticipated, and at higher snow levels, the hazard will rise. Carefully assess each slope for unstable surface snow and any lingering instability with recently formed wind slabs at higher elevations.

The hazard today is CONSIDERABLE above 5000 feet due to expected unseasonably warm temperatures and sunshine combined with new snow from yesterday. Dangerous avalanche conditions will develop as temperatures rise well above freezing and the sun begins to destabilize the new storm snow. Natural and human triggered wet, loose avalanches are likely and storm slab avalanches could become more likely. Avoid being on or under sunny slopes as the day progresses, and carefully evaluate all slopes. 

The hazard today is CONSIDERABLE above 5000 feet due to expected unseasonably warm temperatures and sunshine combined with new snow from yesterday. Dangerous avalanche conditions will develop as temperatures rise well above freezing and the sun begins to destabilize the new storm snow. Natural and human triggered wet, loose avalanches are likely and storm slab avalanches could become more likely. Avoid being on or under sunny slopes as the day progresses, and carefully evaluate all slopes. 

Non-scheduled update: Heavy, wet snow (4-10 inches) and rain fell across the advisory area with the Swan Range picking up the most. This new snow may not bond well to the underlying surface. Storm and wind slabs coud be easily triggered and large enough to knock you around or bury you. Deeper wet slabs are still possible due to ample rain yesterday. Carefully assess how the new snow reacts particularly on slopes steeper than 35 degrees. 

Above 6000 ft. the hazard is CONSIDERABLE on wind loaded slopes steeper than 35 degrees and MODERATE on all other terrain. Below 5000 ft. the hazard is LOW. New snow and moderate to strong winds created fresh wind slabs at upper elevations. If it rains instead of snows at lower elevations the wet avalanche hazard could rise. Spring brings a mixed bag, so pay close attention to changing conditions. See discussion for details on today's rating.