Fatal Cooke City Avalanche

Park County Sheriff’s Office Information Release
At approximately 1145 on Saturday Park County Sheriff’s Office was notified of an avalanche in the Sheep Mountain area north of Cooke City. Park County Search and Rescue (SAR) was paged and responded. Initial report states three people buried.
 

  • A Park County SAR Hasty Team responded to the scene in the Sheep Mountain area.
  • Current information indicates two victims self-rescued and then attempted rescue of the third victim.
  • CPR was administered on one male with unsuccessful results.
  • The Park County Sheriff’s Office is currently on scene and conducting operations regarding this incident.
  • The Park County Sheriff’s Office will release further information after the incident is complete.

AVALANCHE WARNING ISSUED ON DECEMBER 19 2015 at 5:30 a.m.
The Gallatin National Forest Avalanche Center is issuing a Backcountry Avalanche Warning for the mountains near Cooke City, the Madison Range, the Gallatin Range, the Lionhead area near West Yellowstone, and the Bridger Range. Continuous snowfall and strong winds have added weight to a weak and unstable snowpack. Strong winds this morning will load slopes further. The avalanche danger is rated HIGH on all slopes. Natural and human triggered slides are likely. Avalanche terrain and avalanche runout zones should be avoided.

  • You are urged to contact the Gallatin National Forest Avalanche Center for more detailed information regarding avalanche and snow conditions.
  • Website: www.mtavalanche.com
  • Avalanche Hotline: 406-587-6981

The Sheriff’s Office would like to remind everyone making use of the outdoors this time of year to be cautious and safe. Due to current snowfall levels and patterns, avalanches are likely. Whether you are snowshoeing, downhill skiing, cross country skiing or snowmobiling, please be safe and go with a partner. Let friends and/or family know where you are going and when you plan on returning. Take the proper equipment, beacons, shovels, probes, etc.
Undersheriff Clay Herbst gave special thanks to SAR Hasty Team Members in Cooke City hard work, dedication and quick response to difficult situations.
 
 

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