Avalanche Warning Issued for Flathead County

The National Weather Service in Flathead County reports an Avalanche Warning in effect from March 24 at 6 AM to March 25 at 6 AM. The warning has been issued by the Idaho Panhandle Avalanche Center for the Selkirk Mountains and West and East Cabinet Mountains above 4,000 feet.

Very dangerous avalanche conditions have developed due to several feet of recent snowfall, followed by moderate to heavy rain saturating the snowpack. This situation poses a significant risk, as avalanches large enough to bury or injure individuals may occur, and some may release spontaneously. Therefore, travel in avalanche terrain is strongly discouraged during this warning period.

Heavy snowfall has created dangerous slabs of snow that are three to four feet deep. As the snow line rises to around 7,000 feet, both backcountry travelers and natural avalanches are likely to occur, which can travel long distances and affect lower elevations and mature forest areas.

For further details and recommendations, please consult the Idaho Panhandle Avalanche Center or avalanche.org.