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Show the victim was probably dead. A number of people buried in the snow have lived well over 2\ hours. There is no justification for stopping because the victim might be dead. Rather, the search action must be continued as long as he might be alive. No. 56- 2 LOOKOUT PASS. MONTANA 1 March 1956 WEATHER FACTORS A two week storm, with prevailing southwest winds, had deposited 6- 12 inches of snow each day resulting in numerous avalanches. On 1 March, a strong wind was blowing, and the temperature was estimated to be 35 to 40 degrees. Conditions alternated between a snow blizzard and driving sleet and rain. ACCIDENT SUMMARY Several avalanches fell along U. S. Highway 10. This report covers damage done by slides on the Montana ( east) side of Lookout Pass. Report No. 56- 3 covers damage on the Idaho ( west) side of the pass near the small town of Mace. At about 1130 hours, 1 March, 1956, two snows 1 ides ran down adjacent draws about two miles east of the summit of Lookout Pass. These draws are relatively open and steep in the upper half, but the lower portions were planted to white pine 25- 30 years ago. These trees were mostly pole size. At the base of the draws is the Northern Pacific railway, and Highway 10 is located across the canyon. The first avalanche cleared a 200- 300 foot path through the plantation, covered the railroad tracks 6- 10 feet deep for a distance of 200 feet, filled the creek bottom with 15- 20 feet of snow, and continued onto the highway, covering it for 200 feet to a depth of 6- 10 feet with snow and trees. At this area the highway is on a fill that is 30 feet above the creek bed. One car was caught and covered by the snow, but remained on the highway. The four or five occupants were able to get out through a wi ndow. The second slide covered the railroad tracks with six feet of snow for a distance of 600 feet. This avalanche did not reach the highway. AVALANCHE DATA The snow depth at Lookout Pass was 12 feet, with approximately 51 inches of water content. Prior to the slides, huge cornices were noted on the ridges, 21 |
