Snowmobilers Leaving Area When Fatal Avalanche Happened

One member of a snowmobiling party that was caught in a fatal avalanche north of Yellowstone National Park had just suggested that the group get out of the area when one of the riders triggered the slide.

33-year-old Jason Wald of Bismarck died Saturday afternoon north of Cooke City.

Officials say a 22-year-old snowmobiler was on a ridge when his father approached on a second machine and said they should get out of the area.

As they were leaving, Wald rode uphill past them, triggering the slide.

The other two men survived.