Jeff Carty News Today

This Friday, for the 17th year, Missoula backcountry skiers, snowboarders and snowmobile riders will gather to support an organization that helps ensure their safety in the backcountry: the West Central Montana Avalanche Foundation. It doesnt hurt that there will also be beer, food trucks, a DJ, costume party, online auction and in-person raffle.

THOMASTON — The Select Board confirmed the appointments of 19 people to the ad hoc Thomaston Green Park committee on Monday, Sept. 11.

Avalanche centers around the West have closed shop for the season — but where skiing and mountaineering beckon in the alpine, avalanche danger still lurks.

The forecasters for the West Central Montana Avalanche Center perform the work of informing thousands of backcountry travelers on avalanche problems they may encounter and where those problems likely exist.

People headed into the backcountry need to be aware of the potential for avalanches in west-central Montana.

Director of the West Central Montana Avalanche Center, Jeff Carty, told KGVO News that avalanche danger has increased dramatically.

Director of the West Central Montana Avalanche Center, Jeff Carty, told KGVO News that avalanche danger has increased dramatically.

Director of the West Central Montana Avalanche Center, Jeff Carty, told KGVO News that avalanche danger has increased dramatically.

Director of the West Central Montana Avalanche Center, Jeff Carty, told KGVO News that avalanche danger has increased dramatically.

Snow depths in the mountains across western Montana are becoming deep enough to ski and snowboard, which means deadly avalanches are possible.