Avalanche conditions are very dangerous in the backcountry of the Flathead Valley, experts warned on Wednesday.
The Flathead Avalanche Center issued an advisory early Dec. 24 urging skiers and other recreationists to avoid traveling the backcountry of the Whitefish, Swan and Flathead Ranges and portions of Glacier National Park.
The avalanche hazard level was listed as “high” after conditions worsened and several human triggered slides were reported every day over the last four days, the advisory stated. Avalanches were reported in the Canyon Creek area adjacent to Whitefish Mountain Resort.
Large natural avalanches are likely in many areas, and very large slides could occur in some areas. BNSF Avalanche Safety officials reported collapsing snowpack in John F. Stevens Canyon in southern Glacier Park on Tuesday.
The valley’s mountains accumulated 3-9 inches of snow in the early morning, creating a rapid load of unsafe snow conditions. An additional 5-8 inches of snowfall is expected by Wednesday night.