Flathead Avalanche launches daily forecasts for winter
Daily Inter Lake | Daily Inter-Lake | UPDATED 3 hours, 11 minutes AGO
Sheep Creek Headwall, R4D4 avalanche observed by Glacier National Park Snow Ranger Jackson George on Feb. 24, estimated to have occured on Feb. 23. (Jackson George Photo via Flathead Avalanche Center)
Flathead Avalanche daily avalanche forecasts began Dec. 2, covering 1.2 million acres of public land in the Whitefish, Flathead and Swan ranges, as well as portions of Glacier National Park.
Forecasts are issued daily, typically by 7 a.m. at 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’s 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.
“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.”