LIBBY, Mont. December 18, 2017– The Kootenai National Forest is making changes to its Avalanche Program. Beginning December 1, 2017 there will be two forecasts; one in the Whitefish Range which includes the Ten Lakes Area, and one for areas west of Lake Koocanusa.
The Kootenai National Forest in the Whitefish range has weather and terrain patterns more similar with the Flathead National Forest, and that forecast will be posted on the Flathead Avalanche Center web page. Areas west of Lake Koocanusa has weather and terrain patterns more similar with the Idaho Panhandle National Forest, and that forecast will be posted on the Idaho Panhandle Avalanche Center web page. The Kootenai National Forest avalanche specialist and volunteers will continue to provide field observations.
“These changes will improve our avalanche forecasts for the recreating public by aligning areas with similar terrain, weather patterns, and user groups,” stated Mary Laws, Kootenai National Forest Recreation Program Manager. “In addition to field observations, the Kootenai will continue to provide avalanche and safety education across the entire forest.” Both forecasts for the Kootenai National Forest will be available at www.avalanche.org, by clicking on the area which you are interested in.
For more information on Avalanche forecasting or education please contact Ben Bernall @ 295-4693 or email bbernall@fs.fed.us
