Avalanche warning issued for Flathead and Glacier National Park areas

MONTANA — An avalanche warning is in effect for several regions in Montana, including upper and middle elevations in the Flathead and Glacier National Park, as well as upper elevations in the Swan and Whitefish Ranges. 

The avalanche danger in these areas is rated as high, according to the Flathead Avalanche Center (FAC)

Recent snowfall and drifted snow have loaded buried weak layers, creating very dangerous avalanche conditions.

Large to very large avalanches are likely. They could run long distances into lower-angled terrain or valleys.

An FAC video highlights the type of consequential terrain where a buried weak layer 2 to 4 feet down could trigger large avalanches.

Authorities advise staying far away from any steep slope and treating all steep slopes as suspect. Even smaller slopes are producing avalanches large enough to bury a rider, FAC added.