Snowmobiler Rescued After "Very Large" Avalanche Buries Them in Montana Backcountry

In the backcountry near Cooke City, Montana, a snowmobiler was fully buried for between 12 and 15 minutes after being caught by a “very large” avalanche, but survived, according to local avalanche forecasters.

The Gallatin National Forest Avalanche Center first encountered and reported the slide on Thursday, later learning more details about the buried snowmobiler.

The Center said that the snowmobiler was wearing an avalanche transceiver and riding with a partner, but it isn’t known if they were carrying shovels and probes. All three pieces of equipment—transceiver, shovel, and probe—are considered the safety standard for skiing or otherwise recreating in the backcountry during the winter. Each piece of gear plays an essential role in rescues.

The Center added that, fortunately, a group of “well-trained and prepared riders nearby performed a quick rescue,” saving the snowmobiler.

Keep reading for more.

The 2026 POWDER Photo Annual is here! Look for a print copy on a newsstand near you, or click here to have a copy shipped directly to your front door.

The incident could’ve gone differently. Research has shown that the chances of someone surviving an avalanche burial fall quickly as time passes. By the half-hour mark, the odds of survival drop to about 30%. 

The avalanche report comes as forecasters are warning of dangerous conditions in the Cooke City area, a popular haunt for backcountry skiers, snowboarders, and snowmobilers seeking untouched snow.

The Center’s latest forecast, published on the morning of Friday, December 12, reads, “Do not mess with avalanche terrain today. Stay off of and way out from underneath all slopes steeper than 30 degrees.”

View this post on Instagram

The primary avalanche problem is persistent slabs. They could result in “large” or “very large” avalanches, according to the Center. The area has seen seven inches of new snow overnight, which, alongside wind drifting, is overloading the snowpack.

The forecasters also noted that the slide involving the snowboarder was a “very close call” and one of many large avalanches spotted in the past week. 

To stay up to date on the avalanche conditions near Cooke City and other forecast zones covered by the Gallatin National Forest Avalanche Center, follow this link.

Related: Lindsey Vonn Claims Historic Downhill Win in Switzerland