The Avalanche That Buried a Snowmobiler for 15 Minutes Near Cooke City, Montana

The backcountry near Cooke City, Montana, has once again proven how quickly conditions can turn terrifying. In a recent, dramatic incident, a snowmobiler was caught and fully buried for an estimated 12 to 15 minutes by an avalanche near Crown Butte. The good news is that the rider survived this extremely close call. However, the details of the rescue provide a critical lesson on preparedness for anyone recreating in the winter mountains.

The incident, which occurred north of Cooke City, involved a slide that was likely triggered by the snowmobiler from the bottom of the slope. The avalanche appears to be a persistent slab, which is currently the primary avalanche problem in the area. These slides can be large or very large and are notoriously dangerous because they can be triggered remotely, even from lower-angle terrain below a steep slope.

Fortunately, the snowmobiler was riding with a partner and was equipped with an avalanche transceiver. A group of riders were close by managed to dig the buried rider out in the 12-15 minute window. Avalanche survival research shows that burial time is critical, with survival odds dropping sharply after the first 15 minutes and becoming unlikely beyond a half-hour. This rapid response undoubtedly made the difference between a close call and a tragedy.

This near-fatal event serves as a powerful confirmation of the dangerous conditions currently gripping the region. The Gallatin National Forest Avalanche Center (GNFAC) is warning that the unstable snowpack, along with recent snowfall and wind drifting, is overloading the persistent slab.

Forecasters are urging backcountry users to avoid avalanche terrain, emphasizing that even being beneath slopes over 30 degrees carries serious risk.

The simple reality is that your own group is your best hope for a rapid rescue in the remote backcountry. You are the search and rescue.

This incident underscores the absolute necessity of the three pieces of essential gear for everyone in your group:

The buried rider had a transceiver but we're unsure if they were carrying a shovel and probe, which is standard. The quick, organized response by the nearby riders demonstrates the importance of training and practicing with your rescue gear. If you are in the Cooke City area, the GNFAC often hosts beacon practice sessions to keep your skills sharp.

The mountains are beckoning, but before you think about topping out to rip a line, take the deep breaths to scope the forecast and commit to making conservative decisions today. Know before you go, and always carry the right gear.