ALERT: Dangerous Avalanche Conditions for Northwest Montana

The sudden warming trend in Montana is making for hazardous avalanche conditions in some backcountry areas, especially in popular recreation spots in northwest Montana.

Montana is lucky to have several, extremely talented avalanche centers in the state. This provides us with very accurate backcountry information and up to date warnings and advisories.

• AN AVALANCHE WATCH HAS BEEN ISSUED BY THE FLATHEAD AVALANCHE CENTER.
• The Flathead Avalanche Center in Hungry Horse has issued a BACKCOUNTRY AVALANCHE WATCH
• WHAT...Rising temperatures and direct sun may produce very dangerous avalanche conditions Wednesday.
• WHERE...Mid and upper elevations of the Whitefish and Swan Ranges; all elevations of the Flathead Range and portions of Glacier National Park (Lake McDonald and near Marias Pass).
• WHEN...In effect from Tuesday 8:00am to Wednesday 8:00am
• IMPACTS...Unseasonably warm temperatures and direct sun may destabilize recent and drifted snow, resulting in widespread wet snow avalanches and large to very large slab avalanches that release deeper in the snowpack or near the ground.
• Debris from these slides could entrain large volumes of snow and run surprising distances, even into valley floors.
• PRECAUTIONARY / PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...Very dangerous avalanche conditions may develop.
• Delay backcountry travel or plan routes that minimize time in and below steep start zones.
• Consult avalanche.org for more detailed information.
• Similar avalanche danger may also exist at locations outside the coverage area.

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Avalanches can be deadly, especially with heavier, wet snow. Always travel in the backcountry with the appropriate safety gear and most importantly - always travel with a partner.