Hole behind cornice in Hyalite

Hole behind cornice in Hyalite

A skier had a very scary encounter when they fell into this hole behind a cornice in Hyalite. They were sure they were not on a cornice, but close enough. Stay as far from the leeward edge of ridgelines as possible. It can be difficult to determine where cornices end, and tempting to travel near them where the snow is more supportable. Warm temperatures will cause cornices to fall naturally, be easy to trigger, and open up holes behind them. Photo: E. Farley

Northern Gallatin, 2017-03-13