Preliminary report: On Saturday, Feb. 6, a snowmobiler triggered an avalanche in Wounded Buck Creek, north of Wildcat Lake. The rider was caught, carried, and buried in the avalanche. The other three members of the party were also caught and partially buried. After extricating themselves, they searched for the buried rider up slope. Part of his pack was visible in the debris, allowing them to locate him and uncover him. Despite resuscitation efforts, the buried rider did not survive.
Bad weather and dangerous avalanche conditions prevented rescuers from reaching the scene that evening. Law enforcement recovered the victim's body early the next morning via helicopter.
Check the Flathead Avalanche Center observation for updates as available.