Be cautious of avalanche dangers throughout mountain country. Mountain recreators should carry avalanche beacons, shovels, and probe poles for locating people buried under the snow (and know how to use them) and a portable radio to summon help.

Safety tips for recreating in avalanche country:

• Only one snowmobile rider should be on the slope at a time.
• Learn to recognize and understand avalanche-prone terrain. Suspect any slope that is steeper than 30 degrees.
• Observe the slope orientation with respect to the sun and the wind.
• Be cautious of cornices.
• Think about the consequeneces of an avalanche. Will you be carried over a cliff, pushed into a tree or buried deep in a gully?
• Travel with a partner and carry the appropriate rescue gear.
• Practice using an avalanche beacon.

Avalanche Safety Video

Learn how the shovel evolved to become an essential safety tool for snowmobile riders. [See movie ]

Web Avalanche Resources:

The following resources are provided to help you learn more about avalanche safety and to check current conditions:

• avalanche.org
  

  This site provides links to avalanche centers across the US, as well as other valuable avalanche information:

  • avalanche education, and
  • accident reports.
• Forest Service National Avalanche Center
  

  This information is divided into two catergories: Motorized (snowmobiling) and Nonmotorized (snowboarders, skiing, and snowshoeing). It provides detailed information about avalanche basics such as:

  • terrain,
  • snowpack,
  • weather,
  • risk, and
  • a glossary/encyclopedia of avalanche terms.

  The site also provides information about avalanche awareness skills, such as:

  • how to identify red flags,
  • how to analyze snow stability,
  • recommended tools,
  • avalanche rescue,
  • surviving the night, and
  • conducting a search.
• Gallatin National Forest Avalanche Center (GNFAC)
  

  The GNFAC covers a large area including the Bridger, Gallatin, Madison, and Washburn Ranges, the Lionhead area near West Yellowstone, and the mountains around Cooke City. This site provides:

  • current avalanche advisories,
  • weather conditions,
  • avalanche classes,
  • report snow observations,
  • accident reports,
  • photos from the field, and
  • video clips.
• Glacier Country Avalanche Center (GCAC)
  

  The GCAC region is approximately 10,000 square miles in Northwest Montana. Their Web site provides:

  • current avalanche advisories,
  • weather links,
  • calendar of events and education,
  • regional incidents,
  • regional observations, and
  • area maps.
• Missoula Regional Avalanche Advisory
  

  Sponsored by the West Central Montana Avalanche Foundation (WCMAF), this Web site provides avalanche information about West Central Montana. Check for:

  • current avalanche advisories,
  • education & events,
  • beacon training,
  • submit an observation, and
  • Missoula avalanche advisory area map.
• Utah Avalanche Center
  

  Although this Web site is about Utah, it contains a useful avalanche FAQ and "Know Before You Go" online course and video.