BACKCOUNTRY AVALANCHE WARNING
The Flathead Avalanche Center in Hungry Horse has issued a BACKCOUNTRY AVALANCHE WARNING for the following areas:
NWS Missoula MT – MTC 029 (Flathead County)…MTC 047 (Lake County)…MTC 053 (Lincoln County)
* WHAT…The avalanche danger is HIGH due to a warm, wet, and windy storm sweeping across the forecast region. The avalanche danger may remain elevated Wednesday and into Thursday.
* WHERE…On and below steep slopes at all elevations 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).
* WHEN…In effect from Tue 07:00 MST to Wed 07:00 MST.
* IMPACTS…Rain on snow, heavy snow, and blowing snow will overload the snow surface and buried weak layers resulting in widespread areas of unstable snow and natural avalanches.
* PRECAUTIONARY / PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…Very dangerous avalanche conditions are developing. Travel in avalanche terrain is downright dangerous. Avalanches may run long distances and into mature forests, valley floors, or flat terrain.
Consult http://www.flatheadavalanche.org/ or www.avalanche.org for more detailed information.
Similar avalanche danger may exist at locations outside the coverage area of this or any avalanche center.
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The Gallatin National Forest Avalanche Center is issuing a Backcountry Avalanche Warning for the Bridger Range, Northern Madison Range and Northern Gallatin Range. Heavy snowfall and strong winds are creating very dangerous avalanche conditions. Natural and human triggered avalanches are likely. Avalanche terrain and avalanche runout zones should be avoided. The avalanche danger is rated HIGH on all slopes. Contact the Gallatin National Forest Avalanche Center for more detailed information.
This warning will expire or be updated by 6:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 28, 2023.
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An avalanche warning has been issued for the West Central Montana forecast area. The avalanche hazard is currently high in the Rattlesnake. In the Seeley and Bitterroot zones, the hazard will rise to high throughout the day today with continued snowfall and wind. Human-triggered and natural avalanches over 2 feet deep are very likely at middle and upper elevations. Avoid slopes over 30º and leave wide margins underneath avalanche terrain. Travel in avalanche terrain is not recommended.
