2017-18 West Central Montana Avy Conditions: 4/21/18--SECOND final forecast.

Current West Central Montana Avalanche Advisory
Posted: Mar 13, 2018 06:01 am
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Missoula Avalanche
Avalanche Advisory for March 13, 2018

https://missoulaavalanche.org/advisories/7223-avalanche-advisory-for-03-13-2018/

moderate danger
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The avalanche danger for the West Central Montana backcountry is MODERATE. The danger will be LOW this morning but will rapidly climb to MODERATE as the day progresses. Evaluate snow and terrain carefully to identify features of concern. Human triggered avalanches are possible in isolated terrain.

Good morning, this is Logan King with the West Central Montana Avalanche Center’s avalanche advisory for March 13th, 2018. This danger rating does not apply to operating ski areas, expires at midnight tonight and is the sole responsibility of the U.S. Forest Service.

Weather and Snowpack

Continued clear conditions have resulted in no new snow across the region. Mountain temperatures this morning range from the teens to low thirties. Winds in the southern Bitterroot are 14 mph gusting to 19 mph from the SE. In the Rattlesnake this morning winds are from the NW at 11 mph gusting to 17 mph.

Travis and Theo were riding at Granite Pass yesterday. They found warm snow that produced loose wet activity later in the day and saw a natural windslab that failed on a shaded North aspect. Tim and I toured in the Rattlesnake yesterday and found loose wet avalanches and cornices to be an increasing concern.

Warm temperatures and significant solar radiation will make loose wet avalanches the main concern today. Loose wet avalanche activity will increase later in the day as the mercury climbs and the sun affects the snow surface. Loose wet avalanches will be easily triggered later in the day on the southern half of the compass. These avalanches can be managed with terrain selection and timing when you choose to recreate or travel in avalanche terrain. Loose wet slides are small but can be dangerous in areas that have terrain traps that increase the consequences of getting caught in a slide.

The warm temperatures and clear skies have significantly weakened cornices. Cornices have a nasty habit of breaking back farther than expected and should be treated with respect. Give cornices a wide berth because they are large and can create large avalanches if they fall onto a slope where you are traveling. Avoid traveling on or under cornices especially later in the day.

Wind slabs are the other avalanche concern today. Wind slab activity continues to diminish but can still be triggered in isolated locations. Wind slabs are stubborn but have potential to fail on cold and shaded aspects at upper elevations. Carefully look for signs of wind loaded terrain before committing to avalanche terrain.

Avalanche and Weather Outlook

Warm and sunny conditions today will lead to increasing avalanche danger through the day. A shift to a more active weather pattern looks to develop tomorrow. Wednesday has the potential of rain up to 6,000 feet.

If you are out in the backcountry, please send us your observation, these are very helpful in producing the advisory.

Ski and ride safe.

The post Avalanche Advisory for March 13, 2018 appeared first on Missoula Avalanche.



This information is the sole responsibility of the Forest Service and does not apply to operating ski areas. The avalanche danger rating expires at midnight tonight but you can use the information we provide to help you make more informed decisions regarding travel in avalanche terrain for the next few days.

Our advisory area includes the Bitterroot Mountains from Lost Trail Pass North to Hoodoo Pass, the Rattlesnake Mountains and the Southern Swan and Mission Mountains near Seeley Lake. Avalanche information for the Lookout Pass/St. Regis Basin is available from the Idaho Panhandle Avalanche Center.

Current West Central Montana Avalanche Advisory
Posted: Mar 15, 2018 06:30 am
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Missoula Avalanche
Avalanche Advisory for March 15, 2018

moderate danger
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The current avalanche danger is MODERATE for the West Central Montana backcountry. Conditions are variable today an have resulted in heightened avalanche conditions in specific terrain. Carefully evaluate snow conditions to identify areas of increased avalanche potential.

Good morning, this is Logan King with the West Central Montana Avalanche Center’s avalanche advisory for Thursday, March 15th, 2018. This danger rating does not apply to operating ski areas, expires at midnight tonight and is the sole responsibility of the U.S. Forest Service.

Weather and Snowpack

As of 5, this morning mountain temperatures range from 28-34 degrees. Snow is falling across most of the mountains in West Central Montana. A brief period of rain late yesterday/last night has led to 1-4 inches of snow accumulation this morning. An addition of .1-.3 inches of SWE has been added to the snowpack thus far. Winds are currently from the NW at Point 6, sustained at 15 mph, and gusting up to 23 mph. Further south at Deer Mountain winds are 10 mph gusting to 16 mph from the W.

Tim and Theo were in the Rattlesnake yesterday and found the cold snow on north aspects to be disappearing, Travis and I were riding up at Seeley Lake and found cold frozen conditions in the morning that started to warm by midday before cloud cover returned to the region.

Loose, surface snow instabilities in steep terrain will be easily triggered particularly in areas with the dense new surface snow. Loose snow avalanches are small and can be managed with proper terrain selection but can be dangerous in places where there are terrain traps like rocks, trees, or gullies that increase the consequences of getting taken off your feet or sled.

Storm slabs will also be a concern today. Storm slabs will be small but heavy and dense snow is falling on a firm snow surface in many locations. Storms slabs will be less than a foot deep, but with a slick surface of crusts that formed during the last few days and the lubrication of rain below 6,000 feet, the new snow will have a hard time bonding. This will primarily be a concern in steep terrain and areas that have been wind affected to help stiffen the slab. Dig a quick pit and perform stability tests to see if the new snow is bonding before committing to traveling in avalanche terrain.

The greatest potential for large avalanches will come from cornice fall. We observed natural cornice failures yesterday and saw numerous signs of instability such as cracking. With rain up to around 6,000 feet, cornices will have further lost strength and will be suspect today as temperatures look to be just above freezing. Steer clear of traveling on or under cornices today.

Avalanche and Weather Outlook

The forecast suggests another 2-4 inches of snow for the region with snow lines staying around 3,500 feet today. Avalanche danger should remain the same through the day today unless areas receive more snow than expected or rain. Stay aware of changing conditions and be proactive with your decision making.

If you are out in the backcountry, please send us your observations, these are very helpful in producing the advisory.

Ski and ride safe.

The post Avalanche Advisory for March 15, 2018 appeared first on Missoula Avalanche.



This information is the sole responsibility of the Forest Service and does not apply to operating ski areas. The avalanche danger rating expires at midnight tonight but you can use the information we provide to help you make more informed decisions regarding travel in avalanche terrain for the next few days.

Our advisory area includes the Bitterroot Mountains from Lost Trail Pass North to Hoodoo Pass, the Rattlesnake Mountains and the Southern Swan and Mission Mountains near Seeley Lake. Avalanche information for the Lookout Pass/St. Regis Basin is available from the Idaho Panhandle Avalanche Center.

Missoula Avalanche
Avalanche Advisory for March 17, 2018

moderate danger
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The avalanche danger for the West Central Montana backcountry is MODERATE. Snow has returned to the region and brought instabilities along. Small avalanches will be possible in some terrain, and large avalanches are possible in isolated locations. Carefully assess snow bonding to identify areas of increased concern.

Good morning, this is Logan King with the West Central Montana Avalanche Center’s avalanche advisory for Saturday, March 17th, 2018. This danger rating does not apply to operating ski areas, expires at midnight tonight and is the sole responsibility of the U.S. Forest Service.

Weather and Snowpack

Mountain temperatures this morning range from 18-26 degrees. Light snow showers have brought a trace to two inches of snow to isolated locations across the advisory area. Winds are shifting to the E this morning and are currently 21 mph gusting to 26 mph at Point 6. In the southern Bitterroot they are 9 mph gusting to 12 mph from the E.

Travis and I toured near Lost Trail Pass yesterday. We found about 6 inches of new snow that had fallen on a crust that was suspect and sensitive to triggers in specific areas. We also found that wind loaded terrain produced small shooting cracks at some locations and a few test slopes produced small soft wind slabs that released with high energy.

The primary concern today will be wind slabs. Wind slabs are growing and sensitive to human triggers. With more snow and moderate wind in the forecast today the wind slab problem will be increasing. Look for signs like cracking in the snow surface or rounded pillows of snow to determine where wind loading has occurred. Small wind loaded test slopes yesterday were easily triggered up to about 8 inches deep and released with high energy. Avoid traveling on wind loaded terrain because human triggered avalanches will be possible and increasing through the storm cycle.

Storm slabs are the other significant concern today. They are not as widespread as usual but are suspect in areas where a stiffer slab developed or in locations where they sit on top of a crust. The new snow has not bonded well with the old snow surface. Dig a quick pit or use test slopes to identify if the storm snow will be susceptible to failure before committing to avalanche terrain.

Avalanche and Weather Outlook

The forecast suggests light snow for the northern half of the advisory area, while the southern portion of the region looks to have more substantial snowfall today through tonight. The avalanche danger will be increasing today specifically for the Bitterroot range while the rest of the advisory area should have a more consistent avalanche danger.

If you are out in the backcountry, please send us your observation, these are very helpful in producing the advisory.

Ski and ride safe.

The post Avalanche Advisory for March 17, 2018 appeared first on Missoula Avalanche.



This information is the sole responsibility of the Forest Service and does not apply to operating ski areas. The avalanche danger rating expires at midnight tonight but you can use the information we provide to help you make more informed decisions regarding travel in avalanche terrain for the next few days.

Our advisory area includes the Bitterroot Mountains from Lost Trail Pass North to Hoodoo Pass, the Rattlesnake Mountains and the Southern Swan and Mission Mountains near Seeley Lake. Avalanche information for the Lookout Pass/St. Regis Basin is available from the Idaho Panhandle Avalanche Center.

Missoula Avalanche
Avalanche Advisory for March 20, 2018

moderate danger
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The current avalanche danger is MODERATE in the west central Montana backcountry. Human triggered avalanches are possible. Heightened avalanche conditions exist on specific terrain features. Evaluate snow and terrain carefully and identify features of concern.

Good morning, this is Travis Craft with the West Central Montana Avalanche Center’s avalanche advisory for March 20, 2018. This danger rating does not apply to operating ski areas, expires at midnight tonight and is the sole responsibility of the U.S. Forest Service.

Weather and Snowpack

Mountain temperatures range from 22 F to 26 F in the region. In the Bitterroot winds are 5 mph with gusts of 8 mph out of the SW. In the northern part of the advisory area, winds are reading 18 mph with gusts of 24 mph out of the North. The forecast area received 0 to 1 inch of new snow in the last 24 hours.

Logan and I toured in the Rattlesnake yesterday. We found a relatively stable snowpack with some storm snow instabilities. The advisory area received between 10 and 16 inches of snow in the last storm cycle on Sunday. The main concern is how the new snow is bonding to old snow surfaces. There was a natural slide that occurred in the Rattlesnake on steep wind-loaded terrain. Signs of natural activity are good indicators of slope instability.

The primary avalanche problem is wind slabs. Identify wind-loaded terrain. Look for rounded pillows of snow near ridgelines and on cross-loaded slopes. Recognize signs of instability such as cracking in the surface snow. Natural activity on slopes is a significant clue to slope instability. It is possible to cause a slab avalanche on wind-loaded terrain today.

The second avalanche concern is loose wet slides. Look for sun-exposed aspects to shed today with warming temperatures. Rollerballs are a sign of increasing hazard, change aspect to shadier ones when the surface snow starts to become supersaturated. These slides should not be a problem unless they knock you off your feet or machine and take you into a terrain trap.

Take home points today look for natural activity to choose the best terrain today. Dig a pit 3 feet down to see if there are any concerns in pit tests. Look for bullseye clues such as shooting cracks, rollerballs, and pinwheels to give ideas of slope instability. Use small test slopes to see how the new snow is bonding to old snow surfaces. Cornices are very large this time of year and unpredictable in failure, give them a wide berth.

Avalanche and Weather Outlook

Light snow forecasted over the next couple of days. See the forecast here. Look for the avalanche danger to stay the same with these light accumulations. I will issue the advisory on Thursday, March 22.

If you are out in the backcountry, please send us your observation, these are very helpful in producing the advisory.

Ski and ride safe.







The post Avalanche Advisory for March 20, 2018 appeared first on Missoula Avalanche.



This information is the sole responsibility of the Forest Service and does not apply to operating ski areas. The avalanche danger rating expires at midnight tonight but you can use the information we provide to help you make more informed decisions regarding travel in avalanche terrain for the next few days.

Our advisory area includes the Bitterroot Mountains from Lost Trail Pass North to Hoodoo Pass, the Rattlesnake Mountains and the Southern Swan and Mission Mountains near Seeley Lake. Avalanche information for the Lookout Pass/St. Regis Basin is available from the Idaho Panhandle Avalanche Center.

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Missoula Avalanche
Avalanche Advisory for March 22, 2018

moderate danger
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The current avalanche danger is MODERATE in the west central Montana backcountry. Human triggered avalanches are possible. Heightened avalanche conditions exist on specific terrain features. Evaluate snow and terrain carefully and identify features of concern.

Good morning, this is Travis Craft with the West Central Montana Avalanche Center’s avalanche advisory for March 22, 2018. This danger rating does not apply to operating ski areas, expires at midnight tonight and is the sole responsibility of the U.S. Forest Service.

Weather and Snowpack

Mountain temperatures range from 29 F to 33 F in the region. In the Bitterroot winds are 13 mph with gusts of 24 mph out of the SE. In the northern part of the advisory area, winds are reading 11 mph with gusts of 19 mph out of the North. The forecast area received 0 to 1 inch of new snow in the last 24 hours.

Logan and I were in the central Bitterroot yesterday. We found wind slabs and loose wet releases to be the avalanche problems. Tim and Greg were in the Rattlesnake. They found a relatively stable snowpack with wet loose releases to be the primary concern with rising temperatures and sun on southerly slopes in the afternoon. Most snotels did not freeze overnight, or if they did, it was for a very short time. Sites below 7500 feet are all at or above freezing this morning. Today rain is expected up to 6000 feet.

The primary avalanche problem will be loose wet releases. The warm temperatures and light freeze with the addition of rain will make these larger and more widespread on all aspects today. These should not be a problem unless they knock you off your machine or feet and take you into a terrain trap. Rollerballs and pinwheels are signs that slopes are starting to get saturated.

The second avalanche problem is wind slabs. There are still wind slabs located >7000 feet. Identify wind-loaded terrain. Look for rounded pillows of snow near ridgelines and on cross-loaded slopes. Recognize signs of instability such as cracking in the surface snow. It is possible to cause a slab avalanche on wind loaded terrain today.

Today will have changing conditions look for loose wet to increase with warming temperatures and rain at lower elevations and identify wind loaded terrain at higher elevations. Cornices are very large this time of year and unpredictable in failure, give them a wide berth. Keep a close eye out for changing weather conditions that will increase the avalanche danger like rain and wind.

Avalanche and Weather Outlook

Today rain and grapple to 6000 ft. A cold front will enter the area after midnight today. See the forecast here. With these conditions look for the avalanche danger to stay the same.

I will issue the next advisory on Thursday, March 24.

If you are out in the backcountry, please send us your observation, these are very helpful in producing the advisory.

Ski and ride safe.



The post Avalanche Advisory for March 22, 2018 appeared first on Missoula Avalanche.

Current West Central Montana Avalanche Advisory
Posted: Mar 24, 2018 06:19 am
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Missoula Avalanche
Avalanche Advisory for March 24, 2018

low danger
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The current avalanche danger is LOW for the west central Montana backcountry. Low danger does not mean no Avalanche danger. Look for high elevation wind slabs on isolated slopes. Use safe travel protocols, only exposing one person to a slope at a time.

Good morning, this is Travis Craft with the West Central Montana Avalanche Center’s avalanche advisory for March 24, 2018. This danger rating does not apply to operating ski areas, expires at midnight tonight and is the sole responsibility of the U.S. Forest Service.

Weather and Snowpack

Mountain temperatures range from 19 F to 26 F in the region. In the Bitterroot winds are 12 mph with gusts of 17 mph out of the SSE. In the northern part of the advisory area, winds are reading 5 mph with gusts of 8 mph out of the SW. The forecast area received no new snow in the last 24 hours.

Logan and I toured near Lost Trail Pass yesterday. We saw evidence of earlier loose wet debris. We observed some very stiff small wind slabs. We found evidence of cornice failure from the previous days warming temperatures. There is a breakable rain crust on all aspects at higher elevations.

The primary avalanche problem is wind slabs. There are small wind slabs located on isolated slopes at high elevations. These are small and very hard to trigger. Identify wind-loaded terrain. Look for rounded pillows of snow near ridgelines and on cross-loaded slopes.

Low danger does not mean no avalanche danger. Identify wind-loaded terrain. Look for rounded pillows of snow near ridgelines and on cross-loaded slopes. Dig a pit 3 feet down and check to see if there are any layers of concern before committing to any steep slope. There is a stiff melt freeze crust on low and mid-elevation slopes and a stiff breakable crust on higher elevations. Use safe travel protocols today by only exposing one person to a slope at a time. Cornices are very large this time of year and unpredictable in failure, give them a wide berth. Today is predicted to have small amounts of snow and strong winds. Pay attention to changing weather conditions that can elevate the avalanche danger.

Avalanche and Weather Outlook

Snow is forecasted for the area today with strong winds. See the forecast here. Pay attention to changing weather conditions that could increase the avalanche danger.

Logan will issue the next advisory on March 27, 20018.

If you are out in the backcountry, please send us your observation, these are very helpful in producing the advisory.

Ski and ride safe.

The post Avalanche Advisory for March 24, 2018 appeared first on Missoula Avalanche.



This information is the sole responsibility of the Forest Service and does not apply to operating ski areas. The avalanche danger rating expires at midnight tonight but you can use the information we provide to help you make more informed decisions regarding travel in avalanche terrain for the next few days.

Our advisory area includes the Bitterroot Mountains from Lost Trail Pass North to Hoodoo Pass, the Rattlesnake Mountains and the Southern Swan and Mission Mountains near Seeley Lake. Avalanche information for the Lookout Pass/St. Regis Basin is available from the Idaho Panhandle Avalanche Center.

Current West Central Montana Avalanche Advisory
Posted: Mar 27, 2018 06:21 am
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Missoula Avalanche
Avalanche Advisory for March 27, 2018

low danger
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The avalanche danger for the West Central Montana backcountry is LOW. Small avalanches are possible in isolated areas and extreme terrain. Carefully identify features and snow that have the potential to slide before traveling in steep terrain.

Good morning, this is Logan King with the West Central Montana Avalanche Center’s avalanche advisory for Tuesday, March 27th, 2018. This danger rating does not apply to operating ski areas, expires at midnight tonight and is the sole responsibility of the U.S. Forest Service.

Weather and Snowpack

Mountain temperatures this morning are in the mid to upper twenties. Scattered snow showers have deposited 1-2 inches of snow across the advisory area with isolated areas receiving up to 5 inches. Mountain winds have been predominantly out of the West and sustained in the 20’s with gust into the 30’s.

Travis and I rode near granite Pass yesterday. We found about 3 inches of snow that had fallen on a hard melt-freeze crust. Temperatures yesterday were colder, and strong westerly winds persisted through the day.

Wind slabs are the most significant avalanche concern today. New snow and strong winds have created thin wind slabs that have not bonded to the crust. Wind slabs are small and only 3-10 inches thick but can be dangerous in areas with terrain traps. Be wary of venturing onto steep wind-loaded terrain and seriously consider the consequences of getting caught in an avalanche.

It’s easy this time of year to let your guard down, but don’t be lulled into complacency by the LOW ratings. Conditions can and do change rapidly this time of year so continually evaluate the avalanche danger and problems if you are in traveling in the mountains. Continue to utilize good travel practices and adapt plans according to conditions.

Avalanche and Weather Outlook

Scattered showers are expected to continue today with minimal accumulations while the rain line will slowly climb to about 5,000 feet. Strong westerly winds look to continue through the day today. Avalanche activity will remain steady, but the size of wind slabs will increase in areas that pick up more snow. Another round of snow is on tap for tonight and into tomorrow.

The next advisory will be issued on March 29th, 2018.

If you are out in the backcountry, please send us your observations, these are very helpful in producing the advisory.

Ski and ride safe.

The post Avalanche Advisory for March 27, 2018 appeared first on Missoula Avalanche.



This information is the sole responsibility of the Forest Service and does not apply to operating ski areas. The avalanche danger rating expires at midnight tonight but you can use the information we provide to help you make more informed decisions regarding travel in avalanche terrain for the next few days.

Our advisory area includes the Bitterroot Mountains from Lost Trail Pass North to Hoodoo Pass, the Rattlesnake Mountains and the Southern Swan and Mission Mountains near Seeley Lake. Avalanche information for the Lookout Pass/St. Regis Basin is available from the Idaho Panhandle Avalanche Center.

Missoula Avalanche
Avalanche Advisory for March 29, 2018

considerable danger
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The avalanche danger is CONSIDERABLE on wind loaded terrain for the West Central Montana backcountry. On non-wind loaded terrain, the avalanche danger is MODERATE. Avalanche activity has increased on wind loaded terrain making human trigger avalanches likely. Small to large to very large avalanches are possible dependent on the terrain where you choose to recreate.

Good morning, this is Logan King with the West Central Montana Avalanche Center’s avalanche advisory for Thursday, March 29th, 2018. This danger rating does not apply to operating ski areas, expires at midnight tonight and is the sole responsibility of the U.S. Forest Service.

Weather and Snowpack

As of 5:00 am this morning, mountain temperatures are in the twenties. Winds have been in the teen to twenties and gusting to the thirties primarily from the west. Since yesterday morning an additional 1-5 inches of snow have fallen bringing the two-day snow totals up to nearly a foot at some locations. The majority of mountain locations have received less than .5 inches of SWE.

Gregg toured in the Rattlesnake yesterday and found wind slabs that were on the cusp of being classified as touchy. With heavy winds across the advisory area and concentrated to the northern regions paired with snow to the north, wind slabs will be increasingly sensitive today.

Strong winds have made wind slabs the primary concern. With plenty of new snow for transport and heavy winds, wind slabs have grown in size and sensitivity to triggers at elevations above 6,000 feet. Look for sastrugi, rounded pillows of snow, and wind drifts to identify aspects and elevations to avoid today. Human triggered avalanches will be likely on wind loaded terrain but will vary greatly in size and will are dependent on local topography.

Avalanche and Weather Outlook

Sustained westerly winds are expected to continue through the day today but will be less intense than yesterday. Snow showers will continue to diminish through the day today before another round of snow sets up for late Friday. Avalanche conditions will remain steady for the next 24 hours.

The final regular scheduled advisory will be issued on Saturday, March 31’st. Additional advisories and condition updates will be posted as necessary.

If you are out in the backcountry, please send us your observations, these are very helpful in producing the advisory.

Ski and ride safe.

The post Avalanche Advisory for March 29, 2018 appeared first on Missoula Avalanche.



This information is the sole responsibility of the Forest Service and does not apply to operating ski areas. The avalanche danger rating expires at midnight tonight but you can use the information we provide to help you make more informed decisions regarding travel in avalanche terrain for the next few days.

Our advisory area includes the Bitterroot Mountains from Lost Trail Pass North to Hoodoo Pass, the Rattlesnake Mountains and the Southern Swan and Mission Mountains near Seeley Lake. Avalanche information for the Lookout Pass/St. Regis Basin is available from the Idaho Panhandle Avalanche Center.

Missoula Avalanche
Avalanche Advisory for March 31, 2018

moderate danger
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The avalanche danger is MODERATE for the West Central Montana backcountry. Avalanches are a possibility in specific terrain. Carefully evaluate terrain and snowpack to identify areas of heightened concern.

Good morning, this is Logan King with the West Central Montana Avalanche Center’s avalanche advisory for Saturday, March 31st, 2018. This danger rating does not apply to operating ski areas, expires at midnight tonight and is the sole responsibility of the U.S. Forest Service.

Weather and Snowpack

The weather is variable across the region. The northern portion of the advisory area has temperatures in the mid to upper twenties, and the wind has shifted to the East. At Point Six wind speeds are 15 mph gusting to 25 mph from the ESE. Minimal snow accumulations for most locations except the Southern Missions where 7 inches have accumulated. The Southern half of the advisory area is still experiencing westerly winds at 9 mph gusting to 23 mph, and temperatures are just above freezing.

Travis and I rode up Wisherd ridge yesterday. Winds continued to be strong, and snow was still available for transport. Wind slabs have gained strength since earlier this week but are suspect especially in locations where they are sitting on a crust.

Wind slabs continue to be the primary concern. Wind slabs are isolated and vary in size. It is still possible to trigger wind slabs in specific terrain. Look for signs of wind loading and dig a pit to see if the snow is on a slick crust that acts as a great bedsurface for the snow to slide on.

Springtime makes conditions dynamic. You may find yourself in a full-on snow storm or warm sunny conditions at any time. Carefully evaluate conditions as they change through the day and adjust travel plans and objectives accordingly.

Avalanche and Weather Outlook

Continued scattered snow showers will prevent the avalanche danger from changing much today. Snow showers will settle out later in the day today and through tomorrow before another round of moisture sets up again for Sunday.

This is the final scheduled advisory for the season; we will post updates through the spring as conditions warrant. The entire staff at the WCMAC would like to thank everyone who makes this program possible. We had another great season and hope that you did too. Thanks!

If you are out in the backcountry, please send us your observations, we will continue to post them to the site this spring as we receive them.

Ski and ride safe.

The post Avalanche Advisory for March 31, 2018 appeared first on Missoula Avalanche.



This information is the sole responsibility of the Forest Service and does not apply to operating ski areas. The avalanche danger rating expires at midnight tonight but you can use the information we provide to help you make more informed decisions regarding travel in avalanche terrain for the next few days.

Our advisory area includes the Bitterroot Mountains from Lost Trail Pass North to Hoodoo Pass, the Rattlesnake Mountains and the Southern Swan and Mission Mountains near Seeley Lake. Avalanche information for the Lookout Pass/St. Regis Basin is available from the Idaho Panhandle Avalanche Center.

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You are receiving this email because you opted in at our website.
Our mailing address is:
West Central Montana Avalanche Foundation
PO Box 62
Missoula, MT 59806

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Current West Central Montana Avalanche Advisory
Posted: Apr 03, 2018 03:04 pm
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Missoula Avalanche
Avalanche Special Update – Spring Update – April 3, 2018

norating danger
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This is Travis Craft with a Spring update or should we say Winter update.

SPRINGTIME SNOW SAFETY CONSIDERATIONS

It is still winter at higher elevations. The advisory area has received several new inches of snow over the weekend with strong winds.

Trip planning is essential this time of year with no regular avalanche advisory. Use the backcountry weather forecast which will continue to be updated until April 13th. Look at snotel data to get information on snow total amounts and weather station data for temperatures, wind trends, and speeds year round. With these tools, you can get an idea of the avalanche problems you could encounter on your trip and choose appropriate terrain for the day.

Keep your head on a swivel looking for signs of instability; shooting cracks, natural avalanches, roller balls, rounded pillows or signs of wind scouring, and localized collapsing. Dig a pit before committing to any steep slope. Use small test slopes to see how new snow is bonding to old snow surfaces. Pay attention to weather changes while in the field that can elevate the avalanche danger. The spring is a very dynamic season, and conditions can change rapidly.

We will continue to post public observations as we receive them and will post updated information if conditions change dramatically. If you are out recreating in the backcountry, please continue to send us observations by sending an email or use the form available on our website at missoulaavalanche.org. The information provided might keep someone out of trouble.

Thanks for another excellent season and all the support this year! We couldn’t do it without your financial help, community support, public observations, and it is deeply appreciated. A special thank you goes out to the dedicated board members of the West Central Montana Avalanche Foundation, our non-profit support organization.

The post Avalanche Special Update – Spring Update – April 3, 2018 appeared first on Missoula Avalanche.



This information is the sole responsibility of the Forest Service and does not apply to operating ski areas. The avalanche danger rating expires at midnight tonight but you can use the information we provide to help you make more informed decisions regarding travel in avalanche terrain for the next few days.

Our advisory area includes the Bitterroot Mountains from Lost Trail Pass North to Hoodoo Pass, the Rattlesnake Mountains and the Southern Swan and Mission Mountains near Seeley Lake. Avalanche information for the Lookout Pass/St. Regis Basin is available from the Idaho Panhandle Avalanche Center.

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Copyright © 2018 West Central Montana Avalanche Foundation
You are receiving this email because you opted in at our website.
Our mailing address is:
West Central Montana Avalanche Foundation
PO Box 62
Missoula, MT 59806

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Current West Central Montana Avalanche Advisory
Posted: Apr 12, 2018 09:57 pm
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Missoula Avalanche
Avalanche Special Update – Still Winter – April 12, 2018

norating danger
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This is Travis Craft with a Spring update or should we say Winter update.

SPRINGTIME SNOW SAFETY CONSIDERATIONS

It is still winter at higher elevations. The advisory area has received several new inches of snow over the week with strong winds. We have had reports of shooting cracks and localized collapsing in the region on several different aspects and elevations. Remember when the ski areas close the terrain is no longer controlled and should be treated like backcountry slopes. Carry your beacon, shovel, and probe.

Trip planning is essential this time of year with no regular avalanche advisory. Use the backcountry weather forecast which will continue to be updated until April 13th. Look at snotel data to get information on snow total amounts and weather station data for temperatures, wind trends, and speeds year round. With these tools, you can get an idea of the avalanche problems you could encounter on your trip and choose appropriate terrain for the day.

Keep your head on a swivel looking for signs of instability; shooting cracks, natural avalanches, roller balls, rounded pillows or signs of wind scouring, and localized collapsing. Dig a pit before committing to any steep slope. Use small test slopes to see how new snow is bonding to old snow surfaces. Pay attention to weather changes while in the field that can elevate the avalanche danger. The spring is a very dynamic season, and conditions can change rapidly.

We will continue to post public observations as we receive them and will post updated information if conditions change dramatically. If you are out recreating in the backcountry, please continue to send us observations by sending an email or use the form available on our website at missoulaavalanche.org. The information provided might keep someone out of trouble.

Thanks for another excellent season and all the support this year! We couldn’t do it without your financial help, community support, public observations, and it is deeply appreciated. A special thank you goes out to the dedicated board members of the West Central Montana Avalanche Foundation, our non-profit support organization.

Ski and ride safe.

The post Avalanche Special Update – Still Winter – April 12, 2018 appeared first on Missoula Avalanche.



This information is the sole responsibility of the Forest Service and does not apply to operating ski areas. The avalanche danger rating expires at midnight tonight but you can use the information we provide to help you make more informed decisions regarding travel in avalanche terrain for the next few days.

Our advisory area includes the Bitterroot Mountains from Lost Trail Pass North to Hoodoo Pass, the Rattlesnake Mountains and the Southern Swan and Mission Mountains near Seeley Lake. Avalanche information for the Lookout Pass/St. Regis Basin is available from the Idaho Panhandle Avalanche Center.

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Current West Central Montana Avalanche Advisory
Posted: Apr 21, 2018 09:04 am
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Missoula Avalanche
Avalanche Special Update – Spring Conditions – April 21, 2018

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Good Morning, this is Logan King with a springtime avalanche update.

SPRINGTIME SNOW SAFETY CONSIDERATIONS

Winter has lingered across the region for a while, but spring has finally made an earnest appearance in West Central Montana. The last few days have brought temperatures that are well above freezing. Warm temperatures paired with clear conditions have finally pushed to snowpack into the warm melt-freeze cycles and wet late day conditions that we expect to see this time of year.

The snowpack has entered a predictable cycle which means that avalanche hazards can primarily be managed with timing when and where you choose to travel. In areas where it freezes overnight firm melt-freeze crust will form and will develop into wet avalanche problems as they warm. The southern half of the compass will be the first to go. If you see signs of weakening snow like pinwheels and roller balls you should move to a cooler and shaded aspect. Avoid traveling on or under cornices especially later in the day.

Continually re-evaluate conditions as they will be changing on the scale of minutes, and will do so every day. Don’t be lulled into complacency by the warm and sunny weather. Wet and Glide avalanches are a serious concern this time of year along with cornice failures so stay on your toes and use safe travel protocols if you are out in the mountains.

We will continue to post public observations as long as we receive them and will update information as need be. If you are out recreating in the backcountry, please continue to send us observations by sending an email or use the form available on our website at missoulaavalanche.org. The information provided might keep someone out of trouble.

Ski and ride safe.

The post Avalanche Special Update – Spring Conditions – April 21, 2018 appeared first on Missoula Avalanche.



This information is the sole responsibility of the Forest Service and does not apply to operating ski areas. The avalanche danger rating expires at midnight tonight but you can use the information we provide to help you make more informed decisions regarding travel in avalanche terrain for the next few days.

Our advisory area includes the Bitterroot Mountains from Lost Trail Pass North to Hoodoo Pass, the Rattlesnake Mountains and the Southern Swan and Mission Mountains near Seeley Lake. Avalanche information for the Lookout Pass/St. Regis Basin is available from the Idaho Panhandle Avalanche Center.

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