Avalanche
Friends of the Gallatin National Forest Avalanche Center are reporting that a snowmobiler was killed in an avalanche yesterday in the Lionhead Range outside of West Yellowstone.
We are sad to report that yesterday, February 6th, a snowmobiler was caught by an avalanche in the Lionhead area outside of West Yellowstone. The rider was carried into trees and life-saving efforts on-scene were unsuccessful. Our deepest condolences go out to the family and friends of the rider.
We will release further details as they are available.
The fatal avalanche occurred on Ski Hill in the Lionhead area. The shallow slide broke across the slope on a steep rollover and the rider was carried into trees and partially buried. The avalanche risk for the day was rated ‘low’.
GNFAC reminds all backcountry recreationists to assess the snowpack for wind-loading and buried weak layers that could create localized instabilities prior to entering steep terrain and evaluate slopes for features that amplify the consequences of small avalanches.
The fatality is the ninth in the US this winter and the eleventh in North America.
