Danger of avalanches lowered

Northwest Montana’s avalanche danger has been downgraded to “considerable” on steep and open slopes and “moderate” in other areas between 5,500 and 7,000 feet elevation.

Last week, the avalanche danger was high, but a Friday advisory issued by the Glacier Country Avalanche Center states that the snowpack has settled and consolidated following the recent warm and wet period that was followed by a return to very cold temperatures.

Below 5,500 feet, the danger is rated as “low” because of generally shallow and stable snow conditions in most areas.

A recent aerial survey over Glacier National Park documented a series of impressive avalanches that have occurred on most slope aspects and elevations, including two large avalanches on the south face of Stanton Mountain.

The center’s full advisory can be found online at:

http://www.glacieravalanche.org