One Skier Dies in SW Montana Avalanche

According to the Montana Standard, a 35-year-old man from California died this past Friday, January 25, in an avalanche in the Tobacco Root Mountains.

The Montana Standard also reports that the victim was part of a group of four people from Utah and California.

When the avalanche occurred, two members of the group were able to grab onto trees in order to avoid being swept up in the slide. One other person was reportedly injured in the incident, that person is expected to make a full recovery.

On Wednesday, January 23, Doug Chabot of the Gallatin National Forest Avalanche Center warned that the avalanche danger would continue to rise as more snow fell into the weekend. He also said that the avalanche danger level in much of southwest Montana should be considered "considerable" into the weekend. This serves as a good reminder to check the conditions before heading out into the backcountry.

Check here for the latest avalanche warnings and forecasts from the Gallatin National Forest Avalanche Center.