Mountain Goat Triggers Montana Avalanche, Did Not End Baaaaadly

 

"Further investigation of the avalanche yesterday showed goat tracks leading into the crown area of the avalanche. At the debris pile, it was obvious that a goat had taken the full ride in the slide that it triggered. There was a depression in the debris pile where the critter had come to rest at the surface, and obvious hoof prints trailing away from the debris pile, and then upslope for the long walk back up to rejoin the heard. There was no blood, and the tracks looked usual, with no obvious sign of broken legs. It is unknown if the goat was wearing an airbag or if it was deployed in the avalanche. It was a significant ride,  likely of high speed, taken down to mostly bare ground.”

The gallivanting goat adventure was actually one of two avalanche incidents reported that day at Big Sky. Fortunately, both occurred in what was still closed terrain.

We hope the goat wasn't ridiculed too much by its fellow heard members after its walk of shame back up the mountain.