Ski Hill
Lionhead Range
Code
SS-AMu-R1-D2-O
Elevation
8100
Aspect
E
Latitude
44.70160
Longitude
-111.29300
Notes
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.
Number caught
1
Number buried
1
Number killed
1
Avalanche Type
Soft slab avalanche
Trigger
Snowmobile
Trigger Modifier
u-An unintentional release
R size
1
D size
2
Bed Surface
O - Old snow
Problem Type
Persistent Weak Layer
Slab Thickness
8.0 inches
Vertical Fall
300ft
Slab Width
75.00ft
Weak Layer Grain type
Near surface faceted particles
Weak Layer grain size
1.00mm
Weak Layer Hardness
F
Slab Layer Grain Type
Rounded Grains
Slab Layer Grain Size
0.50mm
Slab Layer Hardness
1F
Images
Attached Videos
Slab Thickness units
inches
Single / Multiple / Red Flag
Single Avalanche
Advisory Year