Avalanche danger is present on Mount Jumbo, but there is no immediate danger to the urban
Missoula area if the public cooperates and stays off the mountain, avalanche professionals from
the West Central Montana Avalanche Center told the City of Missoula on Thursday afternoon.
Working cooperatively with the Missoula Fire Department and its drone program, the
avalanche specialists found an unstable snowpack on the mountain’s west-facing slope above
the city and observed that “the recipe for an avalanche is present” in the potential start zones.
They encourage the public to observe the winter closures on the mountain, as winter closures
reduce the chance of a human-triggered slide. The public can also help by reporting violations
to 911. Warming temperatures this coming weekend will also reduce avalanche danger.
Avalanche Center specialists also inspected the slide paths on the East Missoula side of the
mountain and found there is not enough snow to pose a threat.
The Avalanche Center works with the Missoula Fire Department under a cooperative
agreement, in cooperation also with the City’s Parks and Recreation Department.
“We are being proactive,” said Fire Chief Jeff Brandt.
Most of Mount Jumbo is closed to public use during the winter.
https://www.ci.missoula.mt.us/206/Conservation-Lands-Closures
The West Central Montana Avalanche Center provides avalanche forecasting and education
programs for backcountry user groups with the support of the nonprofit West Central Montana
Avalanche Foundation. The Center publishes advisories and resources at
https://missoulaavalanche.org.
Read the Thursday assessment here: https://www.ci.missoula.mt.us/Archive.aspx?ADID=15784