Lionhead Range

Chris Hericks, snow ranger on Beaverhead Deerlodge NF, points to the lower of two surface hoar layers. We are finding similar layering throughout our entire forecast area. The top 18" of the snowpack is weak and will quickly become unstable when it snows. Photo: GNFAC

On February 6, 2022, 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 wind-loaded slope when it released and partially buried him against a tree. The

From the Gallatin NF Avalanche Center:

We rode up Yale Creek, then to the Mt. Jefferson Bowl, then to Tin Cup Pass north of Mt Raes. We  saw no avalanche activity or signs of instability. It was calm out and the wind was not moving snow. The debris piles on Mt. Jefferson were from an avalanche cycle the end of December and they are still visible. January has been dry! 

Our stability test did not break on the surface hoar . There needs to be more snow on top of it. Possibly on a wind drifted area, but in general, the stability is good until we get more snow. 

Crown of the avalanche on Ski Hill. The snow rangers in the photo are standing near the victim burial site. Photo: GNFAC

Looking up from the bottom of the avalanche that killed one snowmobiler on Ski Hill. The crown is visible at the top of the hill. The men in the photo are standing near the trees where the victim was buried. Photo: GNFAC

The backpack pictured marks the place where the avalanche victim was buried. Photo: GNFAC

Identifying snow crystals in the layer that failed at the crown of the avalanche on Ski Hill. The avalanche broke on weak, faceted crystals near the surface. Photo: GNFAC

Debris from the fatal avalanche on Ski Hill. The backpack marks the place where the victim came to rest. Photo: J. Norlander