Avalanche Warning Issued For Several Ranges In Northwest Montana

The storms and atmospheric rivers that have been invading the entire northwest of the country, isn't skipping Montana mountain ranges. Avalanche danger has risen significantly and may continue to rise this week for several counties and their Montana mountain ranges.

• WHAT:  AN AVALANCHE WATCH HAS BEEN ISSUED BY THE FLATHEAD AVALANCHE CENTER.
• WHEN: Issued on Monday, December 4th, 2023
• WHERE: The Flathead Avalanche Center in Hungry Horse has issued a BACKCOUNTRY AVALANCHE WATCH for the following areas: NWS Missoula MT - MTC 029 (Flathead County)...MTC 047 (Lake County)...MTC 053 (Lincoln County)
• DANGER LEVEL: The avalanche danger may rise to High by Tuesday morning as a warm and wet storm sweeps across the forecast region. If the storm develops as forecasted, rain on snow will increase the likelihood and size of triggered and natural avalanches.
• LOCATION SPECIFICS: On and below steep slopes above 5000 feet in the Whitefish Range, Swan Range, Flathead Range, and parts of Glacier National Park (John F. Stevens Canyon, the Apgar Range, and Marias Pass area).

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• DURATION: In effect from Monday morning through at least Tuesday morning
• IMPACTS: Rain on snow may overload the snow surface and buried weak layers resulting in widespread areas of unstable snow and natural avalanches.
• Very dangerous avalanche conditions are expected to develop.
• Travel in avalanche terrain will become increasingly dangerous.
• Avalanches may run long distances and into areas with barren ground.
• FURTHER INFORMATION AND IMMEDIATE UPDATES: Consult flatheadavalanche.org or avalanche.org for more detailed information.
• (Similar avalanche danger may exist at locations outside the coverage area of this or any avalanche center.)