Hungry Horse, MT – A backcountry avalanche warning has been issued for parts of northwestern Montana, including Glacier National Park and the Flathead mountain ranges, due to hazardous snow conditions. The alert remains in effect until 6 a.m. Tuesday.
According to the Flathead Avalanche Center, a combination of heavy snowfall, rain, and strong winds has created dangerous avalanche conditions across multiple elevations. Areas at risk include the Whitefish, Apgar, Swan, and Flathead mountain ranges, as well as the McDonald Valley and peaks near Marias Pass in Glacier National Park.
Avalanche experts warn that wet snow avalanches are likely below 6,000 feet, while higher elevations may experience large natural and human-triggered avalanches. Snow slides could involve one to two feet of new or wind-drifted snow and may break deeper within the snowpack, traveling long distances into valleys, lower-angled slopes, and snowmobile trails. Even small slopes, such as roadcuts and snow-covered roofs, could pose hazards.
Backcountry travelers are urged to avoid avalanche-prone terrain and take extreme precautions. The Flathead Avalanche Center advises checking avalanche forecasts at www.flatheadavalanche.org or www.avalanche.org before venturing out.
Similar avalanche conditions may exist outside the warning area. Officials strongly recommend exercising caution when traveling in snow-covered regions.
