20-21

From obs: "the whumpf I had heard previously remotely triggered a series of 7-8 large cracks that ranged from 30-100 feet wide. ... As I carefully descended the meadow, I saw many more cracks throughout the slope from the same remote trigger event. Additionally, I triggered two more significant whumpfs with shooting cracks 10-40 feet wide. We determined our remote trigger was at least 300 feet away from where the snow collapsed and cracked"

From observation (1/8/21): "Skier triggered slide from someone outside our group lower in Silver Creek 9350’ S facing 18-24” deep 60-70’ wide. Ran 500’ skier was able to regain skis and off slab 100’ below initiation."

From obs: "Shooting cracks and collapsing on the entire ascent to the Cinnamon Creek Lookout. Remotely triggered a R2-D2.5 on descent. 2-3 foot crown. Slide path was on an East facing slope at 9000ft. Failed on the same persistent weak layer being seen across most regions of the forecast zone."

Large natural avalanche north of Hardscrabble Peak near Fairy Lake. Likely broke during snowfall/wind on Thursday, Jan 7th.

From obs (1/8/21): "Loud whoomphs and collapses while skinning uphill, from the car until we turned around about 400ft below the summit. Snowpack felt extremely responsive and we carefully avoided all avalanche terrain."

FULL AVALANCHE REPORT: https://www.mtavalanche.com/accident/21/01/11

On January 8, 2021 a group of six skiers triggered an avalanche on The Fin on Republic Mountain outside of Cooke City. They were skinning up the slope when they felt the slope collapse and watched cracks propagate 250’ upslope. Three were caught and partially buried. Skier 1 deployed his airbag, was partially buried and able to get himself free. He freed himself from the debris and began a beacon search which led him to see skier 2 who was buried head down with his airway obstructed. He was uncovered by skier 1, not breathing and unconscious. He sustained injuries, but later made it out under his own power. Skier 3 was partially buried higher in the path, sustained serious injuries to his ribs and lungs and was evacuated by helicopter. The avalanche broke 1.5’- 2’ deep, 200’ wide and ran 700’ vertical. The average slope angle was 37 degrees. Slope angle at the crown was 33 degrees on an east aspect at 9,700’ elevation. The avalanche is classified SS-ASu-R2-D2.5-O.