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.
