21-22

On Sunday, one snowmobiler in a group of four was caught and killed in a small avalanche on Ski Hill at the south end of Lionhead Ridge. He was on a 45-degree slope when it released and partially buried him against a tree. The slide was only 4"-11" deep, 75 feet wide and ran 300 feet vertical. His head was a foot under the snow. The avalanche was not witnessed and the victim was buried an estimated 15-25 minutes before he was uncovered. Rescue efforts were not successful. The group was familiar with the area and had rescue gear. The shallow, steep slide ended in trees, a terrain trap. Our deepest condolences go out to the family and friends of the rider. 

A detailed report can be read here.

From Facebook, "East side of Woody Ridge has several natural slab avalanches this morning. All appear to be triggered by Loose Dry naturals and looked to be 1-2' deep. Main face of Climax went R3"

photo from IG on 2/6/22

separate obs 26/22: "Small natural soft slab avalanche on a SE aspect at 8737'... Crown was 20cm deep and  approximately 15m wide.I believe it ran on the NSF below the recent storm snow. I think it happened around 10am."

We saw this natural avalanche on Feb 6, 2022 on the north side of Miller Mtn. near Cooke City. It appears to have broke near the end of the 10-14" snow storm that fell the prior day (2/5).