Avalanche forecasters try to curb deaths as skiers and snowmobilers flock to backcountry areas

• Avalanche Escape: Wesley Mlaskoch survived a Montana avalanche near Yellowstone by triggering an inflatable airbag on his backpack, keeping him afloat in the snow, as his friends rescued him.
• Increasing Avalanche Risks: Avalanche specialists, like Doug Chabot, warn of rising avalanche dangers due to climate change and a surge in backcountry activities, despite safety advancements.
• Community Safety Efforts: In Cooke City, Montana, a proactive community, led by locals like Kay Whittle, is intensifying efforts to educate residents and visitors on avalanche risks, offering safety briefings and lessons on avalanche gear.

Hey there! I've got a wild story for you about this guy Wesley Mlaskoch who had a close call with an avalanche near Yellowstone National Park while snowmobiling. Picture this: he's cruising along on his snowmobile when suddenly, the slope above him gives way, and a massive slab of snow starts barreling down towards him. Scary stuff, right?

Now, this isn't your typical snow adventure. Wesley's a smart cookie; he pulls this cord on his backpack, and voila, out pops an inflatable airbag designed specifically for avalanches. This airbag saves the day, lifting him above the rushing snow so he doesn't get buried. Talk about a close shave!

Wesley's from Willow River, Minnesota, and after this heart-stopping incident, he's all shaken but thankfully unharmed. The next morning, the details of his crazy ordeal are all over the internet, thanks to the Gallatin National Forest Avalanche Center. They're like the superheroes of avalanche safety, spreading the word and trying to prevent accidents in the mountains.

Now, here's the lowdown: avalanche safety specialists are dealing with a double whammy. Climate change is messing with the weather, making it all extreme and unpredictable. Plus, thanks to the pandemic, there's been a surge in people heading to the backcountry for skiing, snowboarding, and snowmobiling. More people mean more chances of triggering avalanches, even with all the fancy safety gear like airbags.

Imagine you're out there in Cooke City, Montana – no ski patrol, just you, your friends, and the vast snowy wilderness. It's a thrill-seeker's paradise, but also a potential danger zone. Avalanches in this area have claimed lives, and it's not a joke. But hey, Wesley's got a positive attitude. He used to be a bit cocky, thinking accidents wouldn't happen to him, but reality hit hard on his very first ride.

Avalanche experts, like Doug Chabot from the Gallatin National Forest Avalanche Center, are working hard to keep everyone safe. They've noticed a tricky situation this winter. Early on, there wasn't much snow, creating an unstable layer at the bottom. It's like building a snow castle on a shaky foundation – not cool.

Doug's been doing this for 29 years – observing weather, checking snow conditions, and posting avalanche forecasts. He's like the guardian angel of the mountains, making sure people know what they're getting into. Because, you see, it's not just about the deep snow; it's about the kind of snow and how it behaves.

Cooke City, with its breathtaking slopes, is a hot spot for snow lovers, especially snowmobilers and skiers. But, and it's a big but, it's inherently dangerous. No ski patrol means you're relying on your buddies for rescue if things go south. Doug says if you're dug up in 10 minutes, you've got an 80% chance of survival – those odds are worth knowing.

The Whittles, who run the Antlers Lodge inn and restaurant in Cooke City, take avalanches seriously. They've seen too many tragedies in their small community, and it hits close to home. They've kicked things up a notch, spreading avalanche safety advice like wildfire. They're holding weekly safety briefings, and even at a backcountry warming hut, they're giving crash courses on avalanche beacons.

Sure, the gear can be pricey, but when your life's on the line, it's a small price to pay. Some local outfitters are even making it mandatory for folks before they head out on trips. Safety first, right?

So, next time you're thinking of shredding some serious snow, remember Wesley's story. It might just make you double-check your safety gear and think twice before taking those risky slopes. After all, we don't want anyone going home in a body bag. Stay safe out there, buddy!

Source: The AssociatedPress

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