This natural avalanche occured near Cooke City on a NE facing slope near 9100 ft. This avalanche shows three things: 1)Cornices near the ridgetop indicate wind loading. 2)Weak facets near the ground have no problem fracturing across tree covered slopes. 3)If avalanches are occurring naturally, then they can surely be triggered by a skier or rider. Photo: B. Fredlund
Advisory Year