Avy workshop slated for Oct. 25

The fourth annual Northern Rockies Avalanche Safety Workshop will take place at Grouse Mountain Lodge in Whitefish on Saturday, Oct. 25, from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

The workshop is a one-day gathering of avalanche professionals and winter backcountry enthusiasts.

This year, the workshop features five speakers with varied experiences, backgrounds and expertise in avalanche forecasting, theory, information processing, emergency decision-making and other up-to-date backcountry information.

New this year will be a panel discussion with presenters and local avalanche professionals focused on avalanche risk management in high traffic backcountry areas. The full schedule for the day is available online at www.avalanchesafetyworkshop.com.

Presenters will include Simon Trautm, the national avalanche specialist with the National Avalanche Center; Tom Murphy, the retired operations director of the American Institute of Avalanche Research and Education; Greg Pederson, a climate specialist with the US Geological Survey; Steve Karkanen, director of the West Central Avalanche Center in Missoula; and Erich Peitzsch, director of the Flathead Avalanche Center.

Preregister at www.avalanchesafetyworkshop.com. Cost is $20 at the door, $25 online, or mail a check to NRASW, P.O. Box 4203, Whitefish MT 59937. Anyone mailing a check must register online.