Sizable Montana Avalanche Danger: 24+” Snow, Temps to Really Plummet

Large amounts of mountain snow fell over the weekend in southwest Montana and other locations. An Avalanche Warning has been issued by the Gallatin National Forest Avalanche Center. Popular backcountry recreation spots are included in Monday mornings Avalanche Warning.

The danger is rising not just because of the new snowfall, but the wind and rapidly dropping temperatures are playing a role. Here is what the GNFAC had to say on Monday morning:

• An AVALANCHE WARNING has been issued for the mountains near Cooke City, West Yellowstone and Island Park.
• Heavy snowfall and strong wind are rapidly adding weight to weak layers in the snowpack and creating very dangerous avalanche conditions.
• Human-triggered and natural avalanches are likely.
• Avoid travel on and underneath slopes steeper than 30 degrees.
• The avalanche danger is HIGH on all slopes.
• This warning will expire or be updated by 6:00 a.m. on Tuesday, February 4th, 2025.

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There is also avalanche danger further south, in the Tetons. An Avalanche Warning was issued in that area Monday morning:

• What: Avalanche danger is high in the backcountry due to significant amounts of snow , wind, and rain in the mountains.
• When: In effect from Mon, Feb 3, 2025 - 6:30AM to Tue, Feb 4, 2025 - 6:30AM
• Where: The mountains of western Wyoming including the Snake River, Salt River, Wyoming, Gros Ventre, Togwotee, and Teton Ranges. The mountains of southeast Idaho, including the Snake River Range, Elk Mountains, and Big Holes.
• Impacts: Recent heavy snow combined with strong southwest wind in higher elevations and rain in lower elevations will create widespread areas of unstable snow.
• Human-triggered and natural avalanches large enough to bury people are likely to occur on most aspects and elevations in the backcountry.
• Rain on snow will create large wet avalanches in the valleys.
• Travel in avalanche terrain is not recommended.
• Avalanches could run onto low angle terrain, hitting paths, roads or groomed snowmobile trails.

Be prepared to encounter unstable snow conditions if you are travelling in the mountains today. Looks for signs of recent avalanches, and remember that avalanches can be triggered from a distance.