Avalanche Warning: Swan and Flathead Ranges

Northwestern Montana mountain areas are experiencing dangerous avalanche conditions, prompting an Avalanche Warning to be issued.

• WHAT: The Forest Service Flathead Avalanche Center in Kalispell MT has issued a Backcountry Avalanche Watch.
• WHAT IS INCLUDED IN THIS WARNING: Dangerous avalanche conditions may develop in the Swan and Flathead mountain ranges in northwest Montana.
• WHERE DOES THIS WARNING AFFECT: The Swan and Flathead Ranges are included, along with Glacier National Park areas near Lake McDonald and Marias Pass. Use EXTREME caution when traveling through these back country areas.
• WHEN THIS WARNING TAKES PLACE: In effect until at least 10 AM Friday morning (February 5th, 2021)
• IMPACTS OF THIS AVALANCHE WARNING: According to the Flathead Avalanche Center, "New and drifted snow may overload fragile, reactive weak layers. It will be easy to trigger large, wide, and deadly avalanches."
• These natural avalanches may run long distances, so "flat" areas could easily be dangerous terrain as well. Be very aware of your surroundings or better yet, stay out of these affected areas until the Warning has passed.
• PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... Avoid riding or traveling in avalanche terrain.
• Please check flatheadavalanche.org for more and continued detailed information.
• Volatile conditions exists in several locations around the state of Montana. Similar avalanche danger may exist at locations outside this particular coverage area (of the Flathead Avalanche Center).
• FLATHEAD AVALANCHE CENTER: Forecast Hotline: 406.257.8402
• You can always call or text an avalanche observation: 406.66AVYOB
• You can become a Friend of the Flathead Avalanche Center and learn more HERE
• "Friends of the Flathead Avalanche Center (FOFAC), EIN 47-1135769, is the fundraising and education arm of the Flathead Avalanche Center (FAC) in Northwest Montana. Together, we provide quality and timely forecasts, education, and materials to meet our enthusiastic and growing user base both from local users and tourists to the area."