Two fatalities, One rescued in Montana Lake Avalanche
An extraordinary, and terrifying, avalanche claimed the lives of two snowmobilers in Montana at the weekend. A third member of the party was rescued by other snowmobilers who raced to the scene, and were able to locate him due to his avalanche transceiver.
The three were apparently overwhelmed by a wave of snow, ice, water and debris after a large avalanche smashed into a part-frozen lake.
More detail is provided in this article from Missoulian News, who quote a member of the Glacier Country Avalanche Center;
“The shock wave crushed the snow and ice surface across the entire lake,� Bones said, “and caused a tidal wave to crash onshore along its northerly edge. The greatest focus of this tsunami of water, snow and ice was the northeasterly corner and outlet areas, where the victims were standing.�
Be aware of the risks when off-piste and in the back-country, and always carry avalanche safety equipment whether skiing, snowboarding or snowmobiling.
