From fortune:

Wesley Mlaskoch survived an avalanche in Montana after triggering an inflatable airbag designed for such situations. The Gallatin National Forest Avalanche Center warns of the rising dangers as climate change brings surging numbers of visitors to backcountry areas. Unstable snowpack conditions have already led to four fatalities this winter. Avalanche specialists across the country are trying to educate people on staying safe in hazardous conditions. Avalanche experts say that the potential for hazardous avalanches has set in for the winter for many mountain ranges, and clearer weather can cause unstable snowpack conditions to persist across the U.S. West. Gallatin National Forest Avalanche Center director, Doug Chabot, says that its work has been on the effect of climate change on snowpacks due to the likelihood of extreme weather conditions and changing seasonal patterns. Southwest Montana’s Beartooth Mountains are inherently dangerous, and Chabot aims to make people understand the risks. Chabot observed the region’s weather and surveyed the snow conditions on the very day that Mlaskoch had his brush with tragedy. Gallagher National Forest director, Doug Chabot, has been observing the region’s weather and visiting backcountry sites to survey the snow conditions, reap the danger, and post avalanche forecasts for 29 years now. Cooke City, Montana, a gateway to Yellowstone National Park, closes off its mountain passes to the community of fewer than 100 residents in the winter. Furthermore, the community experiences a rising number of tourists each summer. Avalanche safety is a priority for Cooke City’s residents, with avalanche specialists visiting weekly to give basic rescue lessons including how to use avalanche beacons and promote safety across local businesses and through backcountry warming hut programs. It is also a priority for Cooke City’s residents to push further in educating and drilling on safety practices.



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