New snow and strong winds made for unstable conditions in the mountains around Cooke City. This side was triggered by a snowmobiler which resulted in a fatality. Photo: Jon Marshall
The victim of this side was found with the tip of his boot sticking out of the snow. He was buried approximately 10-12 minutes but was unable to be revived. Photo GNFAC
This slide occurred on Mt Henderson outside of Cooke City. The slope was NE facing and heavily wind loaded. Photo GNFAC
The Bridger, Madison and Gallatin Ranges, the Lionhead area near West Yellowstone and the mountains around Cooke City:
Yesterday morning (12/31/11) strong winds were blowing at the ridgetops in the northern Gallatin. With a foot of new snow to move, the winds up Hyalite easily blew it around at the higher elevations. Steady 30 mph with gusts to 60 mph wee measured. Photo: B. VandenBos
Many small avalanches along highway 191 are incative of the unstable conditions in the higher terrain. These slides are Mother Nature's avalanche warning. Photo: J. Pape
The snowpack collapsed and cracked with almost every step we took. Signs of instability were everywhere. Photo: GNFAC
As we skinned through the trees we came across a natural slide on a small slope, a sure sign that avalanche danger was HIGH. Photo: GNFAC
