Lake Missoula Avalanche – March 28, 2010

In memory of Timothy James "TJ" Grieser. Ride on TJ! Photo courtesy of Becky and Jim Grieser.

Snow Profile taken on avalanche flank shows 3 MF layers above buried surface hoar layer approximately 18-20" deep.

Slide path. Fracture was initiated as the rider neared the group of trees 200' below ridgetop.

Looking uphill to the crown. Avalanche was split by this small spur ridge and the gullies on either side are terrain traps.

Looking uphill from the debris field. Person in the center of the shot is standing where the snowmobile was found. TJ was found about 70 feet uphill from the sled against a small group of trees.

Slide path. Fracture was initiated as the rider neared the group of trees 200' below ridgetop.

Snow Profile taken on avalanche flank shows 3 MF layers above buried surface hoar layer approximately 18-20" deep.