Investigation of avalanche fatality on Crown Butte

We looked at the avalanche that killed a snowmobiler yesterday (12/31/22) on Crown Butte near Cooke City. It occurred on a southeast facing slope at 9,800 feet elevation. At the crown the avalanche was 1.5-2 feet deep on average, and up to 4 feet at the deepest. It broke 500 feet wide and ran 600 vertical feet. It was a hard slab avalanche that broke on weak, sugary snow, and was large enough to break trees or destroy a car. Our deepest condolences go out to the family and friends of the victim, and those involved with the rescue and recovery.