As Montana’s ski areas and resorts fill up over the holidays, local skiers and riders may be tempted into the backcountry for fresh turns.
But anyone headed beyond the boundaries should be aware of some of the dangers, including the risk of avalanches.
Last winter, the Flathead Nordic Backcountry Patrol, the U.S. Forest Service and Whitefish Mountain Resort teamed up to install seven avalanche beacon check stations across the area.
They are located on the Westside Hungry Horse Reservoir Road; at Challenge Creek Road near Marias pass on U.S. Highway 2; at Canyon Creek Road up the North Fork Flathead River;
at Flower Point near Big Mountain; in Essex at the trailhead of the Marion and Essex drainages; at the Taylor Creek Road exit near Hellroaring Peak
at Whitefish Mountain Resort; and at the resort’s exit for snowmobilers.
The stations remind backcountry travelers that they should always have a beacon and they can check to see if it’s working.
Visit www.flatheadavalanche.org for the most up-to-date conditions from the Flathead Avalanche Center. You can also get more information from www.flatheadnordic.com.