The Story Behind the "M"

The "M" is 620 feet above the Missoula Valley floor. It is 125' feet long and 100' feet wide. University of Montana forestry students cut the switchbacks into the side of the hill in the early 1900's. The first "M" was assembled out of whitewashed rocks in 1909, and given a fresh coat of paint by freshmen every year, until 1968, when all those rocks were cemented together with concrete.

Photo by Nelson Kenter, kenterphotography.com

Posts Tagged ‘Missoula weather’

Why You Should Be Extra Careful During Heavy Weather
Oct
17

Why You Should Be Extra Careful During Heavy Weather

Here are some reasons why you should be extra careful during heavy weather.... more

Mount Jumbo Closed for Avalanche Danger
Jan
07

Mount Jumbo Closed for Avalanche Danger

Effective immediately, Mount Jumbo is closed to all public use because of an urban avalanche warning.... more

A Look At The Recent Extreme Weather In Missoula
Mar
12

A Look At The Recent Extreme Weather In Missoula

As Missoulians know, extreme weather is a part of life in this area of the country. Property damage is unfortunately a common result of harsh conditions.... more

Smoke Be Damned: Fall Is Headed Our Way
Sep
29

Smoke Be Damned: Fall Is Headed Our Way

By PAUL QUENEAU - It’s been bad around the Missoula and Bitterroot valleys these past couple months. But a Pacific deliverance and autumn may well be headed this way.... more

Severe Storms Forecast to Pummel Western Montana This Afternoon
Jul
20

Severe Storms Forecast to Pummel Western Montana This Afternoon

By PAUL QUENEAU - Severe Storms forecast to pummel western Montana this afternoon. One-inch hail, damaging winds and flash flooding all possible.... more

Missoula’s Crazy Spring Weather, a Conversation Starter
Apr
12

Missoula’s Crazy Spring Weather, a Conversation Starter

By JEN SLAYDEN - Missoula, with your fickle seasons, winter inversions, spring snow storms, and river running through it: Thank you for giving us something to talk about!... more

It’s Not the Snow in the Dog, It’s the Dog in the Snow
Jan
23

It’s Not the Snow in the Dog, It’s the Dog in the Snow

By DANIELLE LATTUGA - What makes dogs love the snow? Something is altered in them—this energy propels them forth, regardless of short legs and snowballs.... more

Snow Daze
Jan
20

Snow Daze

By BOB WIRE - It’s been three days now, and our street has yet to see a plow. I’m getting desperate. All of us in Missoula are in the same boat, but at least it’s not an Italian cruise ship.... more

Snowstorm Message from Mayor Engen
Jan
19

Snowstorm Message from Mayor Engen

NEWS RELEASE - In light of this week's snowstorm, Mayor John Engen released this statement this morning. It includes information about snow plowing, road closures, and more.... more

The Big Snow Cometh: Schools Closed, 30 inches at Lost Trail
Jan
19

The Big Snow Cometh: Schools Closed, 30 inches at Lost Trail

By PAUL QUENEAU - Missoula awoke this morning a foot of snow and flakes still falling. Here are the latest snowfall reports from around Western Montana.... more

The Big Storm: A Foot of Snow in Town by Friday?
Jan
17

The Big Storm: A Foot of Snow in Town by Friday?

By PAUL QUENEAU - It appears that winter might make up for lost time. The National Weather Service is calling for two inches overnight Tuesday followed by as much a foot in the valley by Thursday morning.... more