The avalanche danger in the West Central Montana area was Moderate Thursday, according to the weekly update at the Missoula avalanche website. Travis Craft s alert said that human-triggered avalanches are possible, because of two weak layers in the snowpack, caused by the changing weather patterns we ve been experiencing this winter. And those weak areas don t just disappear in a day or two. So, be careful.
This past week, temperatures have been a bit warmer and the wind out of the west has calmed down. The alert area, which includes the Bitterroot Valley, the Rattlesnake Wilderness and areas around Seeley Lake, has had a couple of inches of fresh snow.
AVALANCHE WARNING: West Central Montana, Missoula Area
Dangerous avalanche conditions exist in Montana s western mountain ranges: The southern Swan, southern Missions, Rattlesnake and the central and southern Bitterroot Mountains
The West Central Montana advisory area covers approximately 908,721 acres and is comprised of regions on the Bitterroot, Lolo and Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests.
Please use extreme caution while traveling in the back country, especially while this Avalanche Warning is in effect.
Affected Area.The southern Swan, southern Missions, Rattlesnake and the central and southern Bitterroot Mountains.
Avalanche Danger.
The avalanche danger is HIGH.
Reason/Impacts of this Avalanche Warning.New heavy snow, warm temperatures, rain and strong winds are creating very dangerous avalanche conditions.