For those living in the mountains, triggering an avalanche is the ultimate fear — unless, perhaps, you’re a mountain goat.
Big Sky Ski Patrol reported two natural avalanches on Dec. 15, one of which seemed to be caused by a goat, they wrote in a report for the Gallatin National Forest Avalanche Center.
Investigation of the snow slide showed goat tracks leading into the “crown area” of the avalanche, according to ski patrollers. Their investigation showed that the goat had “taken the full ride in the slide that it triggered,” the report said. Patrollers found a depression in the debris pile where the goat ended up after its surprise ride, as well as hoofprints leading upslope for a long walk to rejoin its herd.
Judging by the report, patrollers clearly had a sense of humor about the goat emerging unscathed from the experience.
“There was no blood, and the tracks looked usual, with no obvious sign of broken legs,” they wrote. “It is unknown if the goat was wearing an airbag or if it was deployed in the avalanche.”
