In the west central Montana backcountry above 6000 feet there is MODERATE avalanche dangerNatural avalanches are unlikely; human-triggered avalanches are possible. Heightened avalanche conditions exist on specific terrain features. Evaluate snow and terrain carefully; identify features of concern.Natural avalanches are unlikely; human-triggered avalanches are possible. Heightened avalanche conditions exist on specific terrain features. Evaluate snow and terrain carefully; identify features of concern.Natural avalanches are unlikely; human-triggered avalanches are possible. Heightened avalanche conditions exist on specific terrain features. Evaluate snow and terrain carefully; identify features of concern. on slopes steeper than 35 degrees.  There is LOW avalanche dangerNatural and human-triggered avalanches are unlikely. Generally safe avalanche conditions. Watch for unstable snow on isolated terrain features. on all other slopes above and below 6000 feet.

Hello backcountry skiers and riders!  This is Steve Karkanen with the West Central Montana Avalanche Center’s avalanche advisory for Friday February 3, 2012.

Moderate avalanche dangerNatural avalanches are unlikely; human-triggered avalanches are possible. Heightened avalanche conditions exist on specific terrain features. Evaluate snow and terrain carefully; identify features of concern.Natural avalanches are unlikely; human-triggered avalanches are possible. Heightened avalanche conditions exist on specific terrain features. Evaluate snow and terrain carefully; identify features of concern.Natural avalanches are unlikely; human-triggered avalanches are possible. Heightened avalanche conditions exist on specific terrain features. Evaluate snow and terrain carefully; identify features of concern. means there is heightened avalanche conditions on specific terrain features where natural avalanches are unlikely but human triggered avalanches still possible. Small avalanches are possible in specific areas and large avalanches in isolated areas.

Low avalanche dangerNatural and human-triggered avalanches are unlikely. Generally safe avalanche conditions. Watch for unstable snow on isolated terrain features. never means NO avalanche danger. Areas below 6000 feet have either had an opportunity to settle out and adjust to the weight of the most recent snowfalls or simply don’t have enough snow to be a problem.

Avalanche Accident

An avalanche accident claimed the life of a backcountry skier Wednesday in the Jewel Basin located in the northern Swan Range northeast of Bigfork, MT.  Preliminary reports state that a large corniceA mass of snow deposited by the wind, often overhanging, and usually near a sharp terrain break such as a ridge. Cornices can break off unexpectedly and should be approached with caution. collapsed under the victim then triggered a large avalanche as it rolled dowslope.  Avalanche specialists with Glacier Country Avalanche Center are investigating the accident and will post details on their website glacieravalanche.org as they complete their investigation.  Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of the victim.

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