West Goat Peak (10,793 feet) is the tallest in Montana’s Anaconda-Pintlar Wilderness. On the fourth day of a five day trip, the brazen effect of the wind above timberline is obvious, while at the same time very beautiful. This was my first of two attempts to accomplish a winter summit of the peak. The fresh snowfall combined with the wind, created ideal avalanche conditions, thereby preventing me from continuing beyond this ridgeline (10,200 feet). Three weeks later in a southern approach from East Goat Peak, I would finally make the summit, but not without more challenges.

West Goat Peak Winter Wind