Weather Alert in Montana

Recent Locations: Sand Coulee, MT

Avalanche Watch issued February 16 at 1:45PM MST by NWS Missoula MT

AREAS AFFECTED: West Glacier Region

DESCRIPTION: AVAMSO The following message is transmitted at the request of Flathead Avalanche Center Hungry Horse MT. ...AVALANCHE WATCH ISSUED BY THE FLATHEAD AVALANCHE CENTER... 14:00 MST Mon Feb 16 2026 The Flathead Avalanche Center in Hungry Horse has issued a BACKCOUNTRY AVALANCHE WATCH for the following areas: NWS Missoula MT - MTZ002 (MTZ002) * WHAT...The avalanche danger is anticipated to increase to High (Level 4 of 5) Tuesday as an incoming storm brings heavy snow and strong winds to the forecast region. * WHERE...Mid and upper elevations in the Swan, Flathead, and Whitefish Ranges, and portions of Glacier National Park (the Apgar Range, the Lake McDonald Valley, and Marias Pass). * WHEN...In effect from Mon 14:00 MST to Tue 14:00 MST. * IMPACTS...A foot or more of new snow is forecasted at mid and upper- elevations. Moderate winds may drift snow into steep start zones. Many slopes and start zones harbor weak layers that are already sensitive to human triggers. The additional loading makes large to very large natural and triggered avalanches likely. Remotely-triggered avalanches will also be possible.</p> * PRECAUTIONARY / PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...If the snowfall arrives as forecast, very dangerous avalanche conditions may develop. Travel in avalanche terrain is not recommended in these conditions. Avalanches may be triggered from below or from adjacent slopes. Avalanches may run long distances and can run into mature forests, valley floors, or flat terrain. Consult http://www.flatheadavalanche.org/ or www.avalanche.org for more detailed information. Similar avalanche danger may exist at locations outside the coverage area of this or any avalanche center.

INSTRUCTION: N/A

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Weather Topic: What are Fractus Clouds?

Home - Education - Cloud Types - Fractus Clouds

Fractus Clouds Next Topic: Freezing Rain

A fractus cloud (scud) is a fragmented, tattered cloud which has likely been sheared off of another cloud. They are accessory clouds, meaning they develop from parent clouds, and are named in a way which describes the original cloud which contained them.

Fractus clouds which have originated from cumulus clouds are referred to as cumulus fractus, while fractus clouds which have originated from stratus clouds are referred to as stratus fractus. Under certain conditions a fractus cloud might merge with another cloud, or develop into a cumulus cloud, but usually a fractus cloud seen by itself will dissipate rapidly.

They are often observed on the leading and trailing edges of storm clouds, and are a display of wind activity.

Next Topic: Freezing Rain

Weather Topic: What is Graupel?

Home - Education - Precipitation - Graupel

Graupel Next Topic: Hail

Graupel is a form of precipitation that is created by atmospheric conditions which cause supercooled water droplets to contact snow crystals and freeze to their surface.

Sometimes known as soft hail or snow pellets, graupel is delicate and easily destroyed by touch. Whereas hail usually falls during severe weather, graupel doesn't require such conditions to form, and can form in mild precipitation similar to situations which produce snowfall.

Next Topic: Hail