Photos

This pit is next to the avalanche that caught two skiers, resulting in one fatality, on October 7th, 2017. Height of snow in the photo is 120cm (3.5 feet). The hard layer of snow at the top is the layer that slid, and was likely 1-2' deep at the crown where it broke. Photo: GNFAC.

A side view of the avalanche with features marked. Photo: GNFAC.

Photo showing overview of the avalanche. Photo: GNFAC.

Rescuers are searching and probing the lower half of the debris pile. Photo: GNFAC.

The slope that caught and buried two skiers with the crown and dimensions marked. Photo: GNFAC.

Nine search and rescue volunteers, including 2 avalanche dogs, searched the debris for the missing skier. Photo: GNFAC.

After dropping of members of the Gallatin County Search and Rescue, the helicopter searches the debris. Photo: GNFAC.

The avalanche was in a wind-loaded zone low on the peak (10,100'). It was triggered by 2 skiers as they ascended up the slope. Photo: GNFAC.

Info and schedule: http://www.montana.edu/snowscience/workshop/index.html

Join the GNFAC, MSU, guest speakers, educators, and vendors for the evening.

This slide was triggered intentionally from safe terrain above, in the Tobacco Roots (outside our advisory area). The Bridger Range had similar snowfall, and other areas are not far behind on early season snow depth.

Avoid drifts of snow near ridgelines and steep gullies. These wind slabs will form with more snow and wind, and can be extra harmful with the thin snow cover this time of year.

Small slides can be harmful or deadly above terrain traps like trees, road-cuts, confined gullies, and creek beds. @splititwithyou