The Bozeman Daily Bee

Winter

Mountain Conditions Remain Deadly Despite Pleasant Valley Afternoon

By Chuck Troutman January 28, 2026

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks issued a winter safety advisory Tuesday reminding residents that backcountry conditions remain “extremely hazardous” across the state’s mountain ranges, even as valley temperatures hovered in the low 40s and several downtown Bozeman residents were spotted without jackets.

“People see 42 degrees in town and assume the mountains got the memo,” said game warden Russell Haines, who has responded to four backcountry incidents since New Year’s. “The mountains did not get the memo. The mountains don’t check their email.”

Two Dogs Rescued From Flathead Lake Immediately Attempt to Go Back

By Chuck Troutman January 27, 2026

POLSON — Two dogs were pulled from the icy waters of Flathead Lake Monday morning after venturing onto thin ice and falling through, prompting a multi-agency rescue effort that lasted approximately 40 minutes and was immediately undone when both dogs tried to run back onto the ice.

“We got them out. They were shivering. We wrapped them in blankets. And then the big one just — took off. Straight back toward the lake,” said Polson Rural Fire Captain Donna Jessup, who led the rescue operation. “I have never felt more disrespected in my professional career.”