Avalanche danger may increase

The Daily Inter Lake

The avalanche danger in Northwest Montana ranges from considerable to moderate, according to an advisory released Tuesday.

Between 5,000 and 7,500 feet of elevation, the avalanche danger is considerable, according to the Glacier Country Avalanche Center.

The avalanche danger is moderate below 5,000 feet on steep, open terrain.

The advisory covers Glacier Park and Flathead and Kootenai National Forest areas.

The outlook is for the avalanche danger to increase if predictions for new snow and strong winds are realized today and Thursday.

The National Weather Service predicts from 8 to 14 inches of new snow at higher elevations, along with 15 to 25 mph winds.

"Expect things to change if in fact Wednesday's storm arrives," Tony Willits said in the avalanche advisory.

"This new loading could quite likely show in signs of instability with whumping or shooting cracks. Watch out when arduous trail breaking is experienced and start moving to sheltered, less-than-30-degree slopes and avoiding crossing or parking under steep open avalanche terrain."

A snowmobiler was caught and partially buried but unharmed on Saturday evening when a cut bank along Canyon Creek was triggered by another snowmobiler.

"This was a very small slide but still points out the potential hazard that will be with us in the coming weeks," Willits said.

For more information, go to www.glacieravalanche.org or call 257-8402.