Montana
Search underway for 3 people missing after avalanche hits Idaho back country
MULLAN, Idaho (AP) — A search was underway Thursday night for three people caught in an avalanche in the Idaho back country, authorities said.
The avalanche was recorded near Stevens Peak near the Montana border, authorities said.
The Shoshone County Sheriff’s Office said a search and rescue effort was underway with help from the Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office and the U.S. Air Force.
Authorities did not say what the three people were doing in the area, which is several miles southwest of the Lookout Peak ski area and more than 90 miles (145 kilometers) from Missoula, Montana.
The area had been under an avalanche danger warning for several days because of snowfall and blowing winds that have created unstable conditions on high, steep slopes.
The Idaho Panhandle Avalanche Center warned that avalanches triggered by human activity “remain likely” on steeper terrain.
The avalanche came a day after the first U.S. avalanche death of the season was reported in California. An avalanche roared through a section of expert trails at the Palisades Tahoe ski resort near Lake Tahoe on Wednesday morning, trapping four people and killing one.
A second avalanche struck the same area near Lake Tahoe on Thursday but there were no reported casualties.
Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.
ByKECI•
Updated: July 2, 2026, 9:58 am EDTPublished: July 2, 2026, 9:18 am EDT3 hours ago
Thunderstorms continue for Northern Rockies, especially southwest Montana, with heavy rain, lightning, and gusty winds. Highs mid-70s today, warming to 80s this weekend. Next week turns warmer and drier with highs reaching upper 80s to low 90s.
MISSOULA, Mont. — Amid recent flooding and ahead of wildfire season, Montana State Auditor James Brown is urging homeowners to make sure their homes are properly insured.
Brown said flooding is the leading cause of insurance peril in the nation and can happen year-round in Montana.
He said homeowners should not wait until flooding is imminent to seek coverage because there is typically a 30-day waiting period before flood insurance takes effect.
“Number one, by far the number one source of confusion related to flood insurance is the basic homeowners policy doesn’t cover flood damage, most Montanans may not know that,” said Brown.
Brown said some private flood insurance options exist, but the National Flood Insurance Program remains the main way Montanans can get covered.
He also said wildfire coverage is becoming less common in standard homeowners insurance policies and increasingly expensive.
Brown encouraged homeowners to be careful when shopping for the lowest-cost policy, because cheaper plans may offer less coverage or come with higher deductibles.
“That may not be enough to cover the loss if their house were to burn down, so one of the things we encourage as well is to talk to your agent about what the level of coverage that you have for your home to make sure that it’s fully insured so if you do have a fire or flood or some sort of peril, you’re able to replace your home,” said Brown.
Lower-cost policies may leave homeowners responsible for the first several thousand dollars in losses before insurance coverage begins.
Brown said homeowners should speak with their insurance agents to make sure their policies covers damages if a disaster occurs.
MISSOULA, Mont. — The University of Montana officially welcomed Dr. Jeremiah Shinn on Tuesday as the university’s 20th president.
Shinn’s tenure begins July 1.
“It’s my goal to lead UM in a way that makes this state proud,” Shinn said. “Together, we will build on our strengths to make UM even more aligned with the needs of students and the realities of today’s workforce.”
He joins the university after serving as interim president of Boise State University, where he led efforts aimed at enhancing student engagement, strengthening campus partnerships and expanding access to affordable education opportunities for students.
“President Shinn is a proven leader whose commitment to the success of students is unwavering,” said Clayton Christian, Montana commissioner of higher education. “He is a strong addition to the Montana University System, and I am confident he will maintain UM’s positive momentum while also steering the institution in new ways that will serve our state.”
The following was sent out by the University of Montana:
The University of Montana today officially welcomed Dr. Jeremiah Shinn as the 20th president of the flagship institution.
Shinn’s tenure leading UM begins July 1.
“It’s my goal to lead UM in a way that makes this state proud,” Shinn said. “Together, we will build on our strengths to make UM even more aligned with the needs of students and the realities of today’s workforce.”
Shinn joins UM after a successful tenure as the interim president of Boise State University, where he led efforts to enhance student engagement, strengthen campus partnerships and expand access to affordable education opportunities for students.
“President Shinn is a proven leader whose commitment to the success of students is unwavering,” said Clayton Christian, Montana commissioner of higher education. “He is a strong addition to the Montana University System, and I am confident he will maintain UM’s positive momentum while also steering the institution in new ways that will serve our state.”
Shinn takes the helm at UM during an important time, as the University prepares to welcome the class of 2030 to campus next month.
“Our students deserve a university built for the world they’re entering, not the one we’re leaving behind,” Shinn added. “At a time when the value of higher education is being questioned, UM will meet this moment. Not with arguments, but with proof. In our work, in our graduates and in our service to Montana.”
Prior to serving as Boise State interim president, Shinn was vice president for student affairs and enrollment management. He also served as vice president for student affairs at Louisiana State University. Shinn earned a Ph.D. from Eastern Michigan University, a Master of Arts from the University of Michigan and a Bachelor of Science from Arkansas Tech University.
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