Avalanche victim had serious injuries

The avalanche was caused by a cornice the snowmobiler broke loose. GALLATIN NATIONAL FOREST AVALANCHE CENTER.

ISLAND PARK, ID— The snowmobiler buried in an avalanche on Two Top Mountain Wednesday sustained serious injuries, according to a Gallatin National Forest Avalanche Center report,

This avalanche occurred when the snowmobiler approached a cornice on on a wind loaded, northeast facing slope. The avalanche path was about 100 ft. wide and 150 ft. long. The slope angle was 30 degrees or less except just under the cornice, where it was 43 degrees.

The avalanche slid on a layer of surface hoar about 15 inches deep, and the man was swept downward until he was stopped by some small trees. Riders in his party saw his hand sticking out of the snow and immediately started to shovel him out.

Initially the victim complained of back pain and had facial lacerations, but his condition grew worse because of internal injuries caused by the crushing snow.
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West Yellowstone Search & Rescue and Island Park S & R volunteers retrieved him from the back country.

Go here to see a video of the avalanche site.

A reminder to anyone traveling backcountry areas whether skiing, snowmobiling or hiking:
• Remember the time of year and take all backcountry cautions.
• Take necessary equipment and survival gear. If you have a GPS and cell phone, take them with you, but do not rely on them entirely for a safe rescue if you find yourself in trouble or stranded. Equip yourself with avalanche transceivers, a shovel, and a probe, know what the avalanche conditions are, and know skills that save lives.
• Plan ahead. Make sure you know the area you are heading into.
• If you find yourself in trouble, stop, take a look around you, and do not go any further. The further you go, the more complicated and dangerous it is to get yourself to safety, also making rescue efforts more difficult and dangerous. Make mental notes about any physical features or landmarks that would assist in your rescue.
• Make a plan, stick to your plan, narrow the riding area, and most of all let someone know WHERE you are planning to go!
To check avalanche conditions, click the links under SNOW CONDITIONS at IslandParkNews.net .
 

This is part of the February 13, 2009 online edition of The Island Park News.

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