Every year thousands of Montanans venture onto National Forest lands in the winter for skiing, snowshoeing, snowmobiling and other fun winter activities. Unfortunately, some of these people get into trouble by not being prepared. You can avoid becoming a statistic by following these 5 easy steps.
1) Get a Map and Know Your Route – Trails are often snow-covered in the winter, making it difficult to find your way. It’s always a good idea to bring a map and know your route before you go. Identify landmarks such as mountain peaks and water features to help you find your way if you get
lost.
Download Free Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest Maps Here:
https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/hlcnf/maps-pubs/?cid=fseprd527085
2) Check the Weather – Winter weather can change in a hurry. Cold temperatures, strong winds and blinding snow can move in quickly. It’s also important to know that weather in the mountains can be much different than in town. Check the forecast for the area you plan to go so you know exactly what to expect.
Check the Forecast Here: www.weather.gov
3) Avalanche Safety – Traveling in winter brings the added danger of potential avalanches. You don’t need to take an avalanche course just to go out, but it is important to have a bit of education. Our friends in the Flathead and Custer-Gallatin National Forests provide up-to-date, accurate information on avalanches in our state. Check out their information and avoid steep slopes if danger is high.
Flathead Avalanche Center: https://flatheadavalanche.org/
Gallatin Avalanche Center: https://www.mtavalanche.com/
4) Make a Plan and Stick to it – Decide how far you are going and how long you plan to be out. Be realistic. Remember that days are shorter in the winter and traveling in snow can take longer than on dry trials. Plan for delays and give yourself a strict turn-around time.
5) Communicate your Plans – Tell someone where you plan to go and when you expect to return. This makes it easier for search and rescue to find you to if you don’t come back on time.
Check out this video from Conservation Education Coordinator Matt Ferrell: