Cold smoke Sunday! 5-10 inches of low-density snow in the Swan and Whitefish Range. This afternoons winds may form fresh slabs on slopes open to the wind. Otherwise, look for the multiple generations of wind slabs formed this week. The full forecast is at

FAC staff discuss snowfall, wind, and avalanche activity since January 31. Follow along at

Wind stiffened snow remains the primary avalanche problem. Shifting winds left drifts of snow on various slopes that a rider may be able to trigger. High-quality powder is found in sheltered terrain. Get the complete picture at

❅ If you successfully registered for the Human Powered Partner Rescue clinic, here is your friendly reminder that it kicks off tomorrow! ❅ Please see your registration email for full details. You can also visit our education page:

Folks are returning to the mountains to find some deep riding! It is possible to trigger slabs 1 to 3 feet deep, where new snow was stiffened by wind. Recent avalanches, cracking and collapsing are good reasons to defer to low-angle terrain. 📷Paul Hoefer

Strong winds have created dangerous conditions at upper elevations. Steer away from wind-loaded slopes along ridges and open bowls. 📷#1 Intentionally triggered avalanche in the Swan Range, FAC 📷#2 Natural avalanche in JFS canyon, BNSF avalanche safety

Strong winds have drifted new and recent snow into reactive slabs. Here, a small but long-running fracture Rob triggered remotely in the Swan Range today. Winds now westerly and still drifting snow. Expect slabs to grow and remain sensitive to a rider Thursday.

An Avalanche Watch is in effect until tomorrow morning. A plume of moist Pacific air aimed at the region + powerful winds = dangerous conditions. Check out tomorrow's forecast to see how the storm develops. Bitter cold temps and wind chills make mishaps into major problems.

There's a lot going on out there. Cold temperatures, shifting winds, wind loading, and weak layers add up to a simple plan with conservative terrain choices. Get more info at

Dangerous avalanche conditions exist in locations where stiff storm snow rests on weak layers. The hazard is highest on wind-loaded slopes, where you could likely trigger a 1-2 foot thick slab avalanche. Get the forecast at

We have issued a SPECIAL AVALANCHE BULLETIN due to dangerous avalanche conditions and expected weekend traffic. Choose low-angle slopes if you are eager to enjoy the recent snowfall. More at

FAC staff discuss the incoming storm and how avalanche conditions will rapidly change overnight. Get Saturday morning's forecast at

An incoming storm will increase the avalanche danger. We have issued an Avalanche Watch through Saturday morning. flathead 📷#1 Shooting crack in wind drifted snow, Thanks @USGS. 📷#2 Thank you to @dreammarineinc and @ski-doo for lending us a sled.

Today, expect sunshine and generally safe avalanche conditions. Manage small loose snow avalanche problems if you choose to enter steep terrain. We will see increasing avalanche danger this weekend. Adjust your terrain selection accordingly.

❅ If you successfully registered for the Human Powered Intro to Avalanches *Ladies* course, here is your friendly reminder that it kicks off tomorrow! ❅ Please see your registration email for full details. You can also visit our education page:

Past, present, precursor, possible future: Freezing rain crust. Surface hoar. Lots of this & other weak snow at the surface now. Thin slab (3") that propagated very wide. Modeled snowfall at Noisy Basin. Setting up for dangerous conditions this weekend, *if* snow arrives.

FAC staff discuss using Snow Water Equivalent (SWE) to compare this season's snowpack with the 1991-2020 median.

Enjoy the excellent visibility and a generally stable snowpack while looking for potential problems. Be aware of older, thin slabs of wind-blown snow, small loose snow slides, and don't forget about the glide cracks! The full forecast is at

Sunshine and a generally stable snowpack will allow for an enjoyable day recreating in the mountains. Thursday's wind formed small slabs of wind-blown snow near ridgelines and summits. Get the forecast at

Against all odds, wind is still drifting snow at upper elevations. Rob traveled south of the advisory area where he found widespread and intense blowing snow. More at