Tragic news out of the Montana where a pair of snowmobilers died in an avalanche north of Cooke City. At the time of the avalanche, four riders were on the slope. Two were able to escape. All eight members of the group had rescue equipment. The avalanche broke 5’ deep and approximately 300’ wide on a southeast-facing slope. Here’s the statement from The Gallatin National Forest Avalanche Center:“We are sad to report that today, two snowmobilers were caught and killed in an avalanche on Scotch Bonnet Mountain to the north of Cooke City.
At the time of the avalanche, four riders were on the slope. Two were able to escape. All eight members of the group had rescue equipment. The avalanche broke 5’ deep and approximately 300’ wide on a southeast-facing slope.
Members of Park County Sheriff Search and Rescue arrived to assist with rescue and recovery efforts.
Our deepest condolences go out to the victim’s friends and family, members of the group and the search and rescue community. Doug and Ian are in Cooke City now and we will release further details as they become available.
Consistent snowfall for the last five days in the mountains around Cooke City, West Yellowstone and in the Southern Madison and Southern Gallatin Ranges creates dangerous avalanche conditions. Human-triggered avalanches are likely on steep wind-loaded slopes and large avalanches could break deeply on buried weak layers.
These conditions will continue while weak layers adjust to the weight of the new snow. Stay safe out there.”
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