Expect extreme cold and increased avalanche danger this weekend

Published

2 years ago

January 13, 2024

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Expect extreme cold and increased avalanche danger this weekend

Extreme cold will take over western Montana this weekend
Montana Public Radio | By Aaron Bolton

Many parts of western Montana are in store for bitterly cold temperatures tonight. Some areas may break records.

Temperatures could dip between -20F to -30F across western Montana.

Northwestern Montana will be the coldest. Missoula may hit 26 degrees below zero and Kalispell negative 31 degrees. Both are likely to break daily temperature records set in 1993.

National Weather Service meteorologist Alex Lukinbeal said Potomac in the Swan Valley is expected to reach 47 degrees below zero.

“That’s getting close to that all-time western Montana temperature of 53 below zero,” Lukinbeal said.

Lukinbeal said these temperatures don’t include windchills. He adds these temperatures are dangerous and frostbite can happen within five to 10 minutes.

Winter storm creates avalanche danger across west Montana
Montana Public Radio | By John Hooks

The winter storm hitting Montana has created considerable avalanche danger across much of northwest and southwest Montana.

The Flathead Avalanche Center is reporting considerable danger in the Whitefish, Flathead and Swan mountain ranges, as well as Glacier National Park.

Avalanche danger is high for the Kootenai National Forest and the Bitterroot Mountains.

Ian Hoyer, forecaster with the Gallatin National Forest Avalanche Center, advised caution for those across southwest Montana in Friday’s forecast.

“Don’t push your luck today. Avalanches can break wide and be triggered from afar. Avoid traveling on or beneath any steep slope,” Hoyer said.

The Gallatin center is reporting considerable danger across the Madison, Southern Gallatin and Lionhead ranges, as well as areas around Cooke City, West Yellowstone and Island Park.

Avalanche danger is moderate in the Northern Gallatin and Bridger ranges.

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Grizzly moved from Montana to Togwotee for genetics spotted with cubs in Teton Wilderness

Published

2 hours ago

April 10, 2026

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Grizzly moved from Montana to Togwotee for genetics spotted with cubs in Teton Wilderness

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Highway ad sign costs double, pricing out Montana business owners

Published

14 hours ago

April 9, 2026

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Highway ad sign costs double, pricing out Montana business owners

BILLINGS— Sponsorship of businesses on Montana highway exit signs have doubled in cost, pricing out some small business owners.

Montana Logos, which manages the signs, renegotiated its contract within the last year with the Montana Department of Transportation (MDT), which resulted in prices doubling for most customers. They refer to the signs as tourist-oriented directional signs (TODS).

Watch the report:

Highway ad sign costs double, pricing out Montana business owners

Transportation officials say they increased the costs to match rising costs. According to Bob Heiser, MDT Right of Way bureau chief, the department and Montana Logos have not increased costs for years.

“The contract was up for renewal this past year. And during that renewal process, we asked them to look at this program. And that’s when we discovered that there hadn’t been any rate changes in at least 21 years,” Heiser told MTN.

Heiser said the increased revenue will fund highway projects and other infrastructure.

“We feel it’s still an affordable way for some of those businesses to have some advertisement along our interstates,” he added.

Some business owners in Big Horn County disagree.

“I just don’t understand how a company can gouge small businesses. That wasn’t in my budget,” said Kristy Mastin, owner of the KOA campground in Hardin.

Vanessa Willardson/Q2

Kristy Mastin

She received an invoice for $4,800 in February to keep her business on the exit signs. She paid $2,400 last year for the same service.

“I was dumbfounded,” said Mastin.

Other campground owners in the county shared Mastin’s shock.

Screen Shot 2026-04-09 at 6.24.45 PM.png — Mastin’s February invoice

“We can’t afford that as a small business to suddenly have one aspect of our advertising raised that much,” said Jamie Redger, owner of 7th Ranch RV Camp in Garryowen.

His costs quadrupled in a year, increasing from $1,200 to $4,800, after Montana Logos told him he had to pay to be on the signs for a full year. In the past, he had only paid for half the year.

“At this point, I’ve told Montana Logos that I don’t plan to renew with them,” said Redger.

Screen Shot 2026-04-09 at 6.23.21 PM.png — Jamie Redger

Another campground, Grandview Campground and RV Park, may be disappearing from the signs as well.

“We have to ask ourselves, what can we cut out? And Montana Logo is probably going to be it,” said the campground’s owner, Laurie Tschetter.

She is concerned about how the lack of advertising will affect the tourism industry in her community.

“We are kind of the backbone of bringing a lot of tourism dollars back into this state,” said Tschetter.

Screen Shot 2026-04-09 at 6.23.02 PM.png — Laurie Tschetter

The business owners are working with the Hardin Chamber of Commerce, in hopes the state will hear their voices and give them a grant.

“I want to support these businesses and our communities and whatever we need to do next, whether it’s a letter or taking it up a little higher. That’s all we can do,” said Alexandria Edwards, with the Hardin Chamber of Commerce.

The community is also starting to consider advertising alternatives.

Screen Shot 2026-04-09 at 6.23.47 PM.png — Alexandria Edwards

“It would be cheaper just to go get a billboard or put their money into something that would be more fruitful for them,” said Edwards.

“I’ve watched different advertising things go by the wayside. And maybe Montana Logos needs to find that out,” added Tschetter.

Montana Logos did not return multiple calls and messages from MTN News requesting comment.

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What To Do And Not To Do When Spotting A Celebrity In Montana

Published

1 day ago

April 9, 2026

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What To Do And Not To Do When Spotting A Celebrity In Montana

I’m going to be honest, I’ve lived in Bozeman for years, and I have yet to spot anyone famous.

I bring this up because it seems that celebrity spotting’s are a big deal here in Montana, especially around the Bozeman area. Just in the last couple of weeks there have been Shaq and Justin Timberlake sightings, although it should be noted the two weren’t together.

Shaq decided to stop into McKenzie River Pizza in Belgrade and took a photo with the staff, while Justin Timberlake actually lives outside of Bozeman and so I’m not sure you get as many points seeing him out and about.

There are others, Glen Close has a place here, Sam Elliot has been spotted in town, as well as Michael Keaton, and Kurt Russell, and I had a co-worker swear we were in line with Cameron Diaz one time at an event over at The Armory.

So, yes, famous people hang out around Bozeman. However, when you encounter one, there are certain rules you should be aware of.

What do do when encountering famous people in Montana

First, are they with their family or are they eating? If so, maybe a head nod and you move on. Don’t be that person that goes up and interrupts them or worse, just stands there until they acknowledge you. While they may be famous, they still have a right to enjoy a meal or time with their family out in public.

Second, if they are alone, be cool. Don’t rush up to them and ask for 50 billion things. Approach them, calmly, say hello, let them know you’re a big fan. See how they respond, if they are gracious, then maybe ask for a picture. But don’t blow it by acting a fool.

Finally, if they come across as rude, don’t take it personal. Some of these folks work several hours a day, and maybe you caught them in a moment. Yes, it’s super cool for you to meet a celebrity, but for them, you’re the 500th person they’ve had to meet that day. You have to know when to walk away.

Have you ever ran into a celebrity? Who was it? Did you have a chance to talk with them? How was their reaction? Let us know by sending us a message on our app.