An avalanche that killed a Kila man last weekend was unintentionally triggered by another snowmobiler, according to a final report released by the Flathead Avalanche Center.
Geoffrey Richard Caldbeck, 33, was killed Jan. 23 while snowmobiling in the Whitefish Mountain Range on Flathead National Forest near the vicinity of Haines Pass.
All three snowmobilers involved in the incident were equipped with avalanche transceivers, avalanche shovels and probes, and avalanche airbags.
The report classified the avalanche as a soft slab avalanche unintentionally triggered by a snowmobiler and large enough to bury, injure or kill a person. The avalanche occurred on an average slope angle of 35 degrees and released on a layer of weak, faceted snow. The slide was approximately 200 feet wide and the crown depth ranged from 2 feet to nearly 5 feet deep. The avalanche ran approximately 200 vertical feet.
Three people were snowmobiling in the area and two riders were buried, including Caldbeck. One was able to self-extricate. The two survivors were able to locate Caldbeck through an avalanche transceiver, but he was deceased by the time they were able to dig him out, according to authorities.
All backcountry recreationists are reminded to stay current with local weather conditions and avalanche danger. Avalanche experts recommend that everyone check the daily avalanche advisories on the Flathead Avalanche Center website before heading out. Advisories include information about snowpack conditions, weather forecasts, and hazard evaluations. Review the observations and incident reports that provide further insight into snowpack conditions. Make sure to travel with your avalanche safety equipment — avalanche transceiver, probe pole and shovel — and know how to use them.
Avalanche danger is considered “considerable” in the region, according to the latest advisory.