Hungry Horse, Montana – Backcountry travel above 5,000 feet in northwest Montana could turn deadly today as heavy snowfall and wind-drifted snow set the stage for large avalanches through early Wednesday.
According to the Flathead Avalanche Center, a Backcountry Avalanche Warning is in effect from 7 a.m. Tuesday until 6 a.m. Wednesday for the Whitefish, Swan and Flathead ranges, including the Lake McDonald and Marias Pass areas of Glacier National Park.
Forecasters warn that natural large to very large slab avalanches are likely, and human-triggered slides are very likely on steep terrain. Heavy snowfall rates combined with strong winds are rapidly loading slopes, creating unstable slabs capable of breaking wide and running long distances into forests, valley floors and flat terrain.
Popular backcountry routes near Whitefish Mountain Resort, Essex and high terrain surrounding West Glacier face heightened risk, especially on slopes steeper than 30 degrees.
Officials strongly advise avoiding avalanche terrain entirely during this warning period. Even experienced riders and skiers may not be able to outpace or predict slide activity.
Dangerous conditions are expected to persist through early Wednesday morning, and updated advisories are likely as snowfall continues.
