Flathead Avalanche launches daily forecasts for 2025/26 winter season

Flathead Avalanche daily avalanche forecasts for the 2025/26 winter season began Dec. 2.   Forecasts cover approximately 1.2 million acres of public land encompassing all or part of the Whitefish, Flathead, and Swan ranges on the Flathead and Kootenai National Forests, as well as portions of the Apgar, Livingston and Lewis Ranges in Glacier National Park. 

Forecasts are issued daily, typically by 7 a.m., on www.flatheadavalanche.org. The forecasting season generally extends from late November or early December through April or May, depending on snow and weather conditions.  

Using the North American Public Avalanche Danger Scale, Flathead Avalanche rates conditions on five levels—Low, Moderate, Considerable, High and Extreme. The danger increases exponentially from one level of the scale to the next. Danger ratings often vary between zones and elevation bands. 

“The USFS Flathead Avalanche Center team travels extensively throughout the backcountry, gathering observations to produce accurate, actionable forecasts,” said Jenny Cloutier, executive director for Friends of the Flathead Avalanche Center. “Field reports, weather station data, and community submissions all help the Flathead National Forest team keep backcountry travelers informed.” 

The Flathead Avalanche website logs roughly 500 observations each winter from staff, partner organizations, and the public. These include descriptions of snow, triggered and natural avalanches, and field photos. Observations are crucial for refining forecasts, verifying conditions, and helping travelers plan trips. The public is encouraged to submit observations through the Avy App or the Flathead Avalanche website, contributing to safer trip planning for the community. 

Flathead Avalanche issues special alerts when hazardous conditions exist: 

• Avalanche Watch: Very dangerous conditions are likely within 24–48 hours; adjust your plans. 

• Avalanche Warning: Very dangerous conditions currently exist; avoid avalanche terrain. 

• Special Avalanche Advisory: Dangerous avalanche conditions exist and significant public use is expected, but the conditions do not merit an Avalanche Warning.
  
   

The Avy App streamlines access to forecasts and observations: 

• Consolidated Zone Forecasts: View avalanche and weather data, station information, and observations in one place. 

• Offline Forecasts: Access daily forecasts even in areas without cell service. 

• Offline Observation Submission: Submit reports from the field, automatically uploading when service is restored. 

• Optimized Weather Station Data: 52 stations across Washington and Northern Oregon, including ski areas, are visualized for quick and easy analysis. 

Flathead Avalanche’s 2025/26 operational partners include BNSF Railway, Snowslip Avalanche Safety, Flathead Nordic Backcountry Patrol, Glacier National Park, National Weather Service, Whitefish Mountain Resort, and the USGS. 

In addition to forecasts, Flathead Avalanche offers education programs throughout the winter season: 

• Free Avalanche Awareness Classes (Bigfork, Essex, Coram, Columbia Falls, Kalispell) 

• Rescue Clinics for motorized, non-motorized, and female-specific groups 

• Intro to Avalanches and Level 1 and 2 courses for motorized users 

• Youth Program: Free avalanche education for elementary through high school students in the Flathead region
   

“Our goal is to reduce avalanche incidents and fatalities in Northwest Montana,” said Cloutier. “Sponsorships and donations from the community help us keep these programs accessible to everyone.” 

For daily forecasts, avalanche warnings, and more information on programs, visit www.FlatheadAvalanche.org, follow flatheadavalanche on Facebook and Instagram, or download the Avy App. To support Flathead Avalanche and help keep education programs and forecasts available to the public, please donate today.