Avalanche danger begins to rise

An avalanche warning is posted for the Lionhead area near West Yellowstone, the Centennial Range, the southern Gallatin Range, and southern Madison Range.

The Gallatin Avalanche Center reports new snow and strong winds are forming unstable drifts on a very weak snowpack.

Up to a foot of snow fell over the weekend and more was expected Monday.

The avalanche danger is rated “high” on all slopes. Natural and human-triggered avalanches are likely. The center suggests that avalanche terrain and run-out zones should be avoided.

Danger has risen to “considerable” on the Bridger Teton range in western Wyoming and eastern Idaho, northern Utah, and the Smoky, Boulder, and Soldier Mountains area of the Sawtooth region.

Be sure to check with the regional center you are visiting before heading into the back country.

Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center http://jhavalanche.org 307-733-2664

Gallatin National Forest Avalanche Center https://www.mtavalanche.com 406-587-6981

Sawtooth Avalanche Center https://www.sawtoothavalanche.com 208-622-8027

Utah Avalanche Center https://utahavalanchecenter.org 888-999-4019