Avalanche warning issued amid 'January thaw'

Dangerous backcountry avalanche conditions exist across Northwest Montana due to recent mountain rainfall and unseasonably warm temperatures.

The Flathead Avalanche Center on Monday issued an avalanche warning for all mountain ranges in the forecast area. Large, wet natural slides were likely.

“Look above you while traveling today, even on uptracks, snowmobile trails and snow-covered roads that normally feel safe,” Flathead Avalanche Center forecaster Blase Reardon warned Monday. “Warm temperatures and rain are increasing the potential for destructive, dangerous avalanches that break 1 to 4 feet deep in the snowpack, on weak snow around old crusts.”