MISSOULA, Mont. — Experts are urging caution in the backcountry due to a recent spate of fatal avalanches across the country, including in Western Montana.
Cam Mackenzie, lead forecaster at the West Central Montana Avalanche Foundation, emphasized the unique conditions this winter that make the snowpack particularly dangerous.
“Currently what we’re dealing with is a persistent slab problem,” Mackenzie said. “So, this formed during January when we had that dry spell without new snow where the snow at the surface became weaker. And now we’re starting to stack a new load of a slab of snow on top of that weak layer or weak layers.”
Mackenzie noted that these conditions can increase the likelihood of an avalanche long after fresh snow has fallen, making it difficult to assess the snowpack accurately.
Grant Miller, an avid backcountry skier and boot fitter at Gull Ski and Snowboard in Missoula, has remained safe by staying aware.
“I was on a skin track, and I just made a kick turn and it was this big, like, triangle slab of snow just break off and sloughed down,” Miller said. “And I was like, you know, like me and my buddy were both just like, you know, maybe we don’t ski this one.”
Forecasters recommend always checking the local avalanche forecast before heading into the backcountry. They advise paying close attention to signs of instability such as shooting cracks in the snow, wind-blown pillow slabs, and other avalanches in the area.
Additionally, it’s essential to have safety gear like a beacon, probe, shovel, and a buddy when venturing into these areas.
