This is Stan Bones with a special backcountry avalanche warning issued
   by the U.S. Forest Service Glacier Country Avalanche Center at 5:00
   AM, Tuesday, January 15th, 2008, for the Glacier Park and Flathead and
   Kootenai National Forest areas.

                              HAZARD ANALYSIS

   Because of strong W'erly winds accompanied by variable amounts of new
   snowfall, we are currently rating the avalanche danger as HIGH over
   all of the mountain ranges of Northwestern Montana.

   Monday night strong, mostly SW'erly winds invaded Northwestern
   Montana, often accompanied by periods of snow showers.  Winds gusting
   into the 20's MPH were producing areas of blowing snow.  As a vigorous
   winter storm moves across Western Montana, heavier snows are further
   forecasted Tuesday.  Local blizzard-like conditions are expected in
   the mountains as winds gusting to 50 MPH create whiteout conditions in
   some areas.  Tuesday night temperatures are forecasted to drop into
   the single digits or lower as a very robust NW flow develops.
   Because of strong winds, new snow, and cooling temperatures, unstable
   slab layers are likely on steep, wind loaded slopes in all of the
   mountainous areas of Northwestern Montana.  Both natural and human
   triggered avalanches are likely.  Travel in avalanche terrain should
   be avoided.

   The weather forecast is for more wind, snow showers, and cold
   temperatures through at least Wednesday night.  Backcountry travelers
   need to remain alert and avoid travel in avalanche terrain until
   current weather conditions abate and snow conditions stabilize.
   This advisory message will next be updated on Friday, January 18.