The opening of the Beartooth Highway was delayed a week, but as soon as the iconic road was finally opened this weekend, a harsh reminder of the dangers of the area emerged. In this week’s weather update, it was reported that a major avalanche occurred, luckily leaving everyone unharmed.
After several storms deposited significant amounts of snow, causing delays in clearing the road by the Montana Department of Transportation and Yellowstone Parks Department, the Beartooth Highway was finally ready for passage. The snow accumulation in some areas is unprecedented.
Shortly after the road opened, a sizable avalanche occurred on the Gardiner Headwall, a popular spot for backcountry skiing and snowmobiling. Several individuals had already descended or snowmobiled on the slope before the avalanche hit.
A skier and their dog inadvertently triggered the avalanche, causing multiple individuals to be swept away. Thankfully, no one was buried, and those caught in the slide were able to extricate themselves. Search efforts were initiated as a precaution, with nearby individuals using avalanche beacons to ensure everyone was safe. The dog involved in the incident required rescuing from the avalanche crown.
Although everyone escaped unscathed, the potential for tragedy in such a scenario is evident. The same storms that impeded the highway’s opening also increased the risk of avalanches due to additional snow accumulation atop the existing snowpack.
The Beartooth Highway and its surrounding mountains demand caution and respect for their unpredictable nature.
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