The avalanche danger for the West Central Montana backcountry is CONSIDERABLE. Wind slabs are easily triggered at upper elevations and move quickly on solid bed surfaces. At mid-low elevations, saturated snow is failing from the recent load of water and continues to be reactive. Carefully evaluate the snowpack before entering avalanche terrain as human triggered avalanches are likely today.
Good morning, this is Logan King with the West Central Montana Avalanche Center’s avalanche advisory for Tuesday, April 9th, 2019. 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
An atmospheric river continues to impact the forecast area adding another 0.3 to 0.8 inches of water to the snowpack over the past 24 hours. Mountain temperatures range from 34 to 36 degrees Fahrenheit as of 5am this morning. Winds continue to be unremarkable with Deer Mountain reporting 9 mph from the SSW with gusts up to 16 mph but stronger ridgetop winds are likely.
Yesterday we toured in the Central Bitterroot and found a reactive snowpack. Above 7,000 feet small wind slabs were easily triggered. Although initially small they were able to entrain large amounts of snow and create sympathetic releases, quickly developing into very large slides which were able to run far and fast on dense snow and crusts (pic). Wind slabs continue to grow as more snow and wind affects the region. Wind drifted snow will easily fail with human triggers and traveling below them is not recommended with how far and fast they were moving yesterday. Carefully assess the snowpack for signs of wind loading before venturing into avalanche terrain.
Rain to just below 7,000 feet yesterday has saturated the snowpack producing widespread loose wet slides and wet slabs. Multiple natural wet avalanches were observed up to about 8,000 feet and loose wet slides and roller balls were easily triggered on rollovers and in steep terrain. Wet activity will be concentrated between approximately 5,000 and 7,000 feet but should be considered on any slope with saturated snow.
Bottom line: Avalanches will easily be triggered today, the key is determining which problems are the greatest concern where and how to appropriately manage the hazards. Avoid wind loaded terrain and remember that wet avalanches can be challenging to predict so avoid starting zones that are saturated if you don’t want to roll the dice.
Avalanche and Weather Outlook
The atmospheric river will continue to supply plenty of moisture to the region before subsiding late Wednesday and transitioning to showery conditions for the end of the work week. Lots of additional water is expected over the next two days but will transition towards more snow than rain. Rain lines are dropping and should be around 5,500 feet today and by Wednesday will be around 4,000 feet (forecast). The avalanche danger won’t drop until the precipitation subsides.
We will conclude our regular forecasts later this week as the storm cycle ends but will continue to post updates as necessary after that. Observations on our public observations page will continue to get posted and shared with the community so keep sending in what you find.
Ski and ride safe.
