Gallatin National Forest Avalanche Center

With a snowy start to November, skiers and snowmobilers have been heading to the backcountry and above-average snowpack levels across much of western Montana have some mountain resorts opening early. While most avalanche centers aren’t yet rating the current risk, experts say backcountry recreationists shouldn’t be complacent.

Snow continues hammering parts of Montana and more blustery weather is on the way. National Weather Service Great Falls has issued a blizzard warning Friday for the Rocky Mountain Front because of anticipated strong winds and poor visibility from blowing snow. Avalanche experts across the region are urging caution.

Avalanche danger is growing in the Centennial Mountains, the Gallatin and Madison ranges and the Swan Range.

This week’s guest is Doug Chabot, director of the Gallatin National Forest Avalanche Center. He’s put up new climbing routes around the world, rescued countless stranded mountain travelers and built an invaluable community resource at the Avalanche Center.

The Gallatin National Forest Avalanche Center has issued a backcountry avalanche warning for the Bridger, Northern Gallatin and Northern Madison ranges. The center warns that the avalanche danger is rated high on all slopes and avalanche terrain and avalanche runout zones should be avoided.

A Missoula man was killed by an avalanche outside of West Yellowstone in Idaho Saturday.Raymond John Moe, 46, and three companions were riding motorized…

An avalanche in southwestern Montana killed a skier over the weekend.Park County Sheriff Scott Hamilton says 55-year-old Christopher Peterson of Ketchum,…

A ski patroller died yesterday in an avalanche just outside the Yellowstone Club ski resort.Gallatin National Forest Avalanche Center Forecaster Eric…