Last week’s blistering winter storm created unstable conditions in the nearby backcountry, according to the Flathead Avalanche Center.
Data is limited due to few observations, but avalanche experts are warning the public about potentially unsafe snowpack conditions across Northwest Montana.
This region has received upwards of 12 inches of snow in recent days with strong wind deposits onto a weak snowpack in a short period of time, creating an unstable situation in the backcountry mountain ranges, the avalanche center warned on Nov. 29.
“If you choose to ride or ski today, then avoid steep slopes and pay close attention to the terrain around you. Be conservative in your decision making and terrain selection,” the avalanche center stated in its advisory.
Last week a snowmobiler died in an avalanche in southern Montana, near Cooke City. Park County Undersheriff Scott Hamilton said authorities received a report of the slide in the Henderson Peak area at about 1:30 p.m., Nov. 26.
The snowmobiler was partially buried and life-saving measures were not successful. The person died at the scene.
The Gallatin National Forest Avalanche Center issued a backcountry avalanche warning Wednesday morning for the Bridger, Gallatin and Madison Ranges along with the Lionhead area outside West Yellowstone and the mountains around Cooke City.
For updated information about local avalanche conditions, visit flatheadavalanche.org.