Avalanche danger is worsening in the backcountry mountains of the Flathead Valley, according to experts.
The Flathead Avalanche Center issued an advisory on Feb. 5 warning recreationists that conditions are worsening above 5,000 feet elevation in the Whitefish, Swan and Flathead ranges, as well as southern parts of Glacier National Park.
The avalanche hazard will increase throughout the day, according to the center, and dangerous avalanche conditions will develop. Human triggered avalanches will become more likely as the day progresses and natural activity will also be possible, according to the advisory.
“Expect the hazard to rise over the next few days as this potent storm moves through the advisory area,” Erich Peitzsch with the Flathead National Forest said.
A series of storms with heavy moisture will march through the region over the next few days. Mountain weather stations are reporting temperatures ranging from 24 degrees to 33 degrees with southwest winds moving at 5-10 mph with gusts to 17 mph.