image from Gallatin National Forest Avalanche Center
Avalanche conditions around Cooke City: image from Gallatin National Forest Avalanche Center

The Gallatin National Forest Avalanche Center is reporting the slide happened Sunday on Henderson Mountain in southwestern Montana outside Cooke City. The avalanche was about 100 feet wide with snow about 6 feet deep and traveled through timber.  Another member of the party was partially buried but uninjured.

The victim was wearing an avalanche beacon and was found within 15 minutes of his complete burial according to The Missoulian. CPR was performed but resuscitation attempts were unsuccessful.

Gallatin National Forest Avalanche Center:

“Yesterday afternoon a skier was killed in an avalanche on Henderson Mountain outside Cooke City. The avalanche was reported to be upwards of 6 feet deep and 100 feet wide and ran through timber. The victim was completely buried and located with an avalanche transceiver by members of his party. One other skier was partially buried, but uninjured. The victim was dug up within 15 minutes and given CPR, but resuscitation was unsuccessful. Doug and Eric will investigate the avalanche today and write a full report in the coming days. Our condolences go out to his family and friends.”

Our thoughts and prayers are with the skiers family and friends. This marks the second avalanche death in the US for the 2016/2017 season.  Please go HERE for avalanche education resources.

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