Libby, Mont. – Dangerous avalanche conditions have developed in the Bitterroot and Cabinet mountain ranges of far northwest Montana as heavy snowfall and extreme winds continue to load the snowpack.
According to the Idaho Panhandle Avalanche Center in Sandpoint, a Backcountry Avalanche Warning remains in effect until 7 a.m. Friday for the Bitterroot Mountains of northwest Montana, particularly terrain above 4,000 feet.
The warning also covers nearby mountain ranges in northern Idaho, including the West and East Cabinet Mountains and the Silver Valley region, where the same unstable snowpack conditions are developing.
Forecasters say an atmospheric river interacting with a powerful jet stream is delivering multiple feet of new snow at higher elevations while strong to extreme winds rapidly build unstable slabs within the snowpack.
These conditions are expected to trigger a widespread cycle of natural avalanches, some capable of burying or killing a person. Experts warn that even experienced backcountry travelers could easily trigger slides during this period.
Areas near the Cabinet Mountains Wilderness and high terrain along the Idaho–Montana border are considered especially vulnerable to large avalanches.
Officials urge hikers, snowmobilers, and skiers to avoid all avalanche terrain, including steep alpine slopes and canyon runouts where debris can travel long distances.
The avalanche warning remains in effect through Friday morning, and unstable conditions may persist beyond that as heavy snow and strong winds continue across the northern Rocky Mountains.
