INTRODUCTION:
   This is Tony Willits with the backcountry avalanche advisory issued by
   the U.S. Forest Service Glacier Country Avalanche Center at 7:00 AM,
   Tuesday, February 5th for the Glacier Park and Flathead and Kootenai
   National Forest areas.
   HAZARD ANALYSIS
   Between 5000 and 7500 feet of elevation the avalanche danger is
   currently being rated as CONSIDERABLE. Below 5000 feet of elevation
   the avalanche danger is currently being rated as LOW.
   These danger ratings expire at midnight, Tuesday, February 5th.  The
   outlook is for the avalanche danger to possibly elevate by Thursday
   depending on snow accumulations and wind loading as predicted in
   today's weather.
   Because of the general nature of this advisory message, each
   backcountry party will always need to make their own time and site
   specific avalanche hazard evaluations.
   WEATHER ANALYSIS:
   Seasonal  temperatures have been fairly consistent across the region.
   Last Friday's predicted storm strength fizzled in the central portion
   of our advisory area while the western and southern portions gained
   greater than 1.5 inches of snow water equivalent (SWE) in that initial
   24 hour period from 0300 Friday.  The southern Whitefish Divide and
   the southern portion of GNP gained at least modest amounts within that
   same period.  I guess that is another way to say that snowfall
   conditions were variable across the region. In the last 24 hours the
   region has gained only .1 to .2 of an inch of SWE.

   SNOWPACK ANALYSIS:
   Our backcountry observations Monday were from Soup Creek on the
   Flathead National Forest.
   New snowfall  accumulations since Friday have settled and
   consolidated.  This surface layer, the top 20 to 30 centimeters, was
   indicating easy failures but very poor quality sheer.  The interface
   of more concern will be new layers over the wind slabs of two weeks
   ago.  This layer was needing more force but did give clean plane
   shears.  This interface is decomposing on some of the more shallow
   snowpacks but is being maintained the deeper that it is buried and is
   and will be a concern with new accumulations.

   AVALANCHE - INSTABILITY DESCRIPTION:
   Between 5000 and 7500 feet in elevation we are currently rating the
   avalanche danger as CONSIDERABLE...unstable slab layers are
   probable on steep terrain. Natural avalanches are possible, while
   human triggered avalanches are probable. Backcountry travelers should
   be very cautious in steeper terrain. Be aware of potentially dangerous
   areas of unstable snow.

   Below 5000 feet of elevation the avalanche danger is currently being
   rated as  LOW ...snow is generally stable with only isolated areas of
   instability. Natural avalanches are very unlikely, while human
   triggered avalanches are unlikely. Backcountry travel is generally
   safe. Normal caution is advised.
   WEATHER FORECAST & AVALANCHE OUTLOOK:
   `
   A very moist westerly flow and series of Pacific storms is expected to
   impact the region late Tuesday through Thursday.  Along with the
   periods of moderate to heavy snow fall strong westerly winds are
   likely at times.

   With considering variability across the landscape the top 60 to 100
   cms is important to focus on especially in regards to the predicted
   weather pattern.  Get to know your layers.  Persistent weak layers can
   linger on on particular slopes and need to be investigated as to
   whether to venture upon.
   Please note that this avalanche advisory is our best interpretation of
   snow pack conditions and National Weather Service forecasts on the day
   the advisory is issued. Unanticipated weather changes such as wind, a
   marked temperature increase, or precipitation beyond forecast amounts
   can increase the avalanche danger. Local variations may also exist.
   The next avalanche advisory will be on Friday, February 8th, 2008.