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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 COURTESY GALLATIN NATIONAL FOREST AVALANCHE CENTER/ JON MARSHALL. Click for more images.
New snow atop faceted base equals unstable snowpack
By Summit Voice
SUMMIT COUNTY — Winter recreation turned deadly in the Rocky Mountains of Montana during the New Years weekend, as two snowmobilers and a backcountry skier died in separate avalanches, according to the Gallatin National Forest Avalanche Center.
With a thick layer of faceted crystals near the ground, the avalanche hazard spiked Saturday after a snowstorm hit the northern Rockies, and powderhounds ventured out into the backcountry in search of fresh snow.
Similar conditions are likely to prevail in Colorado when the snow comes. Visit the Colorado Avalanche Information Center online for more info. (more…)
Filed under: avalanches, recreation, search and rescue, skiing and riding, snow, Snow and weather | Tagged: 2012 avalanche deaths, avalanches, backcountry skiing, Cooke City, Gallatin National Forest Avalanche Center, Montana, Montana avalanche deaths | Leave a Comment »
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