Avalanche experts to gather for workshop

Five of the region's most prominent avalanche experts will appear at an avalanche safety workshop at Grouse Mountain Lodge in Whitefish on Saturday, Oct. 1, from 7:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.

The experts will present practical safety information and research at the Northern Rockies Avalanche Safety Workshop, along with demonstrations on skills needed for staying safe in avalanche-prone terrain.

"The number of winter backcountry enthusiasts in our area has increased dramatically in recent years, and skill levels have progressed exponentially with each new season," said Ted Steiner, a local avalanche expert and the event chairman. "At the same time, our winter backcountry community has experienced an increase of avalanche-related incidents. This event is meant to help answer the ‘what can we do' question when it comes to improving the margin of safety."

Featured speakers include Don Sharaf, co-owner of the American Avalanche Institute and lead guide for Valdez Heli-Ski Guides; Doug Richmond, Bridger Bowl ski patrol director; Jordy Hendrikx, director of the Snow and Avalanche Laboratory and professor of earth sciences at Montana State University; Lynne Wolfe, certified AAA instructor at the American Avalanche Institute and editor of the Avalanche Review; and Mark Staples, an avalanche forecaster for the Gallatin National Forest.

Cost is $15 in advance or $20 at the door. Participants can register online at http://avalanchesafetyworkshop.com/index.asp.