Mount Jumbo's south zone normally opens on March 15, but due to a lingering elk herd, city officials have closed the area to all humans for the time being.
With over a dozen deaths attributed to avalanches this winter, KGVO News spoke with Steve Karkanen, Director of the Western Montana Avalanche Center about the current alert level in the Missoula area.
"We've had 14 people die in avalanches just in the month of January alone," Karkanen said...
One year has passed since the fatal urban avalanche in the Rattlesnake area in Missoula February 28, 2014.
Friday was a busy time in Missoula Justice Court, with three high profile cases appearing before Judge Marie Anderson.
Winter weather advisory from 2 pm today through 11 am tomorrow.
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Wintering elk are extending their stay in the south zone of Mount Jumbo, leading Missoula Parks and Recreation to extend the area's closure through this Sunday, April 6.
The avalanche that rumbled down Mount Jumbo late Friday afternoon was set up by bands of heavy snow, followed by warm temperatures, more snow, and strong winds.
The return of winter will bring Mount Jumbo’s own special elk herd back to its traditional winter range.When winter snows deplete forage at higher elevations, about 75 elk move to Jumbo’s lower slopes to feed.