Wyoming

‘I couldn’t move, breathe, or see’: Wyoming man survives avalanche near Cooke City, catches it all on camera

Published

2 years ago

March 11, 2023

‘I couldn’t move, breathe, or see’: Wyoming man survives avalanche near Cooke City, catches it all on camera

BILLINGS — Getting out within the Montana terrain—it is one thing Anthony Kluesner does on a regular basis.

The 22-year-old snowmobiler was born and raised in Lima, Montana, however now lives in Meeteetse, Wyoming. However a late-February journey to Mount Abundance close to Cooke Metropolis now has him feeling fortunate to be alive.

“I had some associates come out from one other state. Their favourite locations to journey are in Cooke Metropolis. So we went up there for 2 days, Saturday and Sunday. That morning began off nice,” Kluesner stated on a video name on Saturday. “I see this massive previous wide-open aspect hill that was untouched. I imply that was a snowmobiler’s dream proper there to go play on it. And we tore up that entire aspect hill. Simply had a ball.”

Anthony Kluesner/Fb

Anthony Kluesner on a snowmobile

On Feb. 25, Kluesner and his associates have been having a day of enjoyable snowmobiling collectively. However issues shortly modified when an avalanche was triggered, burying Kluesner and his Polaris in a pile of heavy, suffocating snow.

“I went over to the best and was climbing it. Did a cool backcountry transfer and I slipped up the aspect of my operating board. I used to be making an attempt to get the snowmobile to cease, and I used to be simply going to return down the underside and check out once more,” Kluesner stated. “The following factor I knew, simply lifeless, heavy weight was simply coming excessive of me.”

And whereas he was solely buried for a short while, Kluesner stated it felt like perpetually.

“Once I was below the snow, it felt like I used to be below there for two minutes, 3 minutes. However actually, it was solely 10, 20 seconds I used to be totally buried,” Kluesner stated. “However simply that entire not respiratory, seeing nothing, it simply, I feel it type of put me in shock just a little bit.”

Anthony Kluesner emerging from snow — Anthony Kluesner rising from snow

In response to Kluesner, whereas he was buried, he was in full darkness—and he may really feel his snowmobile on prime of him.

“The snowmobile was on prime of me. And one factor I undoubtedly keep in mind to today, I give it some thought daily now, it was the scariest factor. I couldn’t transfer, breathe, or see,” Kluesner stated. “Snow was packing up, piling up in my helmet. And all I may do was attempt to swim. Attempt to do something to simply rise up on prime. That was my principal aim, was to stop getting buried.”

Fortunately, Kluesner’s leg was caught on his snowmobile, which he now believes saved his life.

“In some unspecified time in the future, I feel it had another roll. The snowmobile, with it hooked as much as my leg, the handlebars. I actually imagine that’s what saved my life,” Kluesner stated. “My snowmobile pulling me out of the snow like that.”

And whereas he was buried, Kluesner stated he remained calm, understanding there have been others on the mountain that might assist.

“I simply keep in mind as I used to be buried, I used to be simply praying for the most effective. Hoping it might come out good,” Kluesner stated. “And at the back of my thoughts, I knew I had a ton of individuals round me.”

In response to Kluesner, there was a gaggle of backcountry skiers close by that aided in rescue efforts following the avalanche.

“There was a couple of group of ten backcountry skiers like ten yards away. They noticed the entire thing occur, and so they have been on prime of me inside a minute,” Kluesner stated. “Everybody that was round me was proper there on prime of me. Nevertheless it took them 8 minutes to dig my waist out, right down to my ft.”

Similar avalanche triggered by snowmobiler near Cooke City on 3/3 — From 3/3/23: “Here’s a image of an avalanche that occurred between Daisy and lulu street simply off HWY 212 as we speak. SE dealing with slope that was snowmobile triggered”

Kluesner stated the snowpack was so heavy, he could not even transfer his legs.

“It turns into concrete you already know. And you may’t transfer. I attempted doing a wiggle and my legs weren’t transferring,” Kluesner stated. “It was a bizarre feeling. It was simply so compressed and tight.”

And Kluesner believes this expertise is a good reminder to at all times be ready—with the best gear and coaching.

“Sure, avalanche trainings are costly. Nevertheless it’s value each penny,” Kluesner stated. “It’s not solely on your life, however it’s additionally on your buddy’s life. In the event that they don’t have the coaching, and also you exit and also you climb a hill and get caught, they don’t know what to do. They could have the gear, but when they don’t have the coaching, then how are you aware learn how to use the gear?”

One thing avalanche specialists agree with.

“In case you are snowmobiling, snowboarding, climbing, mountaineering in steep terrain, it’s a good suggestion to undergo some primary coaching,” stated Alex Marienthal, an avalanche forecaster for the Gallatin Nationwide Forest Avalanche Middle, on a video name Saturday. “The coaching itself is admittedly vital. When you have the gear and also you’ve by no means practiced with it, and also you don’t know learn how to use it, it’s much less possible that it will likely be efficient.”

Alex explaining the conditions for an avalanche report — Alex explaining the circumstances for an avalanche report

Marienthal stated with the trainings, there are three gadgets everybody heading into steep terrain ought to carry: an avalanche transceiver, a probe pole, and a shovel.

And based on Marienthal, being conscious is one other essential guidelines merchandise.

“A few of these key factors are visiting our web site, mtavalanche.com, when you’re within the southwest Montana space. Different areas you will discover avalanche forecast and circumstances at avalanche.org,” Marienthal stated. “Concentrate on your environment. And one key factor with the terrain is that when you’re in a position to keep away from being in avalanche terrain, that’s type of your most secure guess. Generally you may get caught off guard, or find yourself in a spot you’re unfamiliar with, however that’s the simplest strategy to keep away from being caught. Is to remain off of an out-from-underneath, these slopes steeper than 30 levels.”

And whereas Kluesner stated he was ready, he by no means thought being caught in an avalanche would occur to him.

“That day I used to be simply within the incorrect spot on the incorrect time. It could actually occur to anybody although, and that’s the scary factor. Is it may well occur to anybody professionally or not. So it’s simply tremendous vital to know earlier than you go,” Kluesner stated. “I’m really grateful for the way it ended up being. I hope the folks that see that video, I hope it places a spot of their thoughts saying, that’s really the actual deal.”

Shovel in front of snowpack — Shovel in entrance of snowpack

Kluesner stated he urges others to take avalanche security and rescue courses, and the snowmobile membership he is part of, Cody Nation Snowmobile Affiliation, provides a free 2-day coaching course each December.

“My native snowmobile membership in Cody right here places on an avalanche class. And I began taking these, and now I’ve been taking some Degree 1 certifications,” Kluesner stated. “It’s nothing to fiddle with actually. You bought to have massive respect for the mountains when you’re going to go play in them.”

And Kluesner stated this expertise will not cease him from going after his dream of turning into knowledgeable snowmobiler. Actually, it is really motivated him to unfold consciousness.

“I really feel it’s going to encourage me extra to push for avalanche coaching and security, and simply snowmobile security typically,” Kluesner stated. “It’s at all times been an enormous dream of mine to change into a pro-snowmobiler. And after being in that state of affairs, it actually simply put a big effect on me to encourage different individuals.”

One of Anthony's snowmobiles — One among Anthony’s snowmobiles

And whereas he is grateful to be alive, Kluesner desires others to recollect what occurred to him can occur to anyone.

“For whoever’s going to observe this, see this, go get your coaching,” Kluesner stated. “Go spend the couple of dollars. Your snowmobile golf equipment placed on free trainings too. Simply go have enjoyable and be secure about it.”

To study extra in regards to the Gallatin Nationwide Forest Avalanche Middle or to entry its sources, click on right here.

To study extra in regards to the Cody Nation Snowmobile Affiliation, click on right here.

“I simply keep in mind as quickly as I noticed daylight once more, I simply was relieved,” Kluesner stated. “And similar to, ‘Holy crap, did that simply occur?’”

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Wyoming

Elder Quentin L. Cook dedicates 201st Latter-day Saint temple in Casper, Wyoming

Published

3 hours ago

November 25, 2024

Press Room

Elder Quentin L. Cook dedicates 201st Latter-day Saint temple in Casper, Wyoming

CASPER, Wyoming — Between 1847 and 1868, more than 60,000 members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints passed through what is now Casper on their overland trek to Salt Lake City, crossing the North Platte River at a spot not far from the new Casper Wyoming Temple.

Most early members came across the plains without severe incident, but members of the Willie and Martin Handcart Companies of 1856 suffered starvation, exposure, death and other ordeals. A significant event was the 1856 Sweetwater River rescue in Central Wyoming, in which young men carried desperate pioneers across the freezing water.

One of those young men was David Patten Kimball, great-grandfather of Elder Quentin L. Cook of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.

“My grandfather, Crozier Kimball, explained to me that one of the reasons these young men were heroic was because they were following the prophet,” said Elder Cook. “He taught me that following the counsel of the prophet in our own day would be equally heroic.”

Now, Latter-day Saints in Casper will participate in that kind of heroism by rescuing their ancestors through temple work.

On Sunday, Nov. 24, Elder Cook dedicated the Casper Wyoming Temple in a single 10 a.m. session broadcast to all units within the Casper temple district. It is the Church’s 201st dedicated and operating temple.

The Casper Wyoming Temple on Friday, Nov. 22, 2024.

Serving 15,000 Latter-day Saints in nearly 50 congregations within its district, the Casper Wyoming Temple is the state’s second dedicated and operating house of the Lord, following the Star Valley Wyoming Temple, which was dedicated in 2016. The Cody Wyoming Temple, which was announced in 2021, held its groundbreaking ceremony on Sept. 27, 2024.

Elder Cook said there are great blessings for those who engage in the work of redeeming the dead, particularly in regards to a person’s own ancestors.

“I believe that the youth of the Church will have greater protection from the adversary if they immerse themselves in searching for their ancestors, preparing their names for the sacred vicarious ordinances available in the temple and then go to the temple to stand as proxy for them to receive the ordinances of baptism and gift of the Holy Ghost, or act as a witness,” Elder Cook said.

Saints in the temple district have currently been traveling to the Fort Collins Colorado Temple or the Bismarck North Dakota Temple.

Casper Wyoming East Stake President Steven D. Higginson said, “Not only is it going to be wonderful to be close to a temple to do ancestral work, but so many more of our members will have the opportunity to serve inside the temple as temple workers,” he said. “The blessings will be just as important for those who did not have that opportunity before.”

Church members arrive for the Casper Wyoming Temple dedication on Sunday, Nov. 24, 2024. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News

During the two week open house from Aug. 29-Sept. 14, 27,000 people came to tour the temple.

Beth Worthen, a long-time Casper resident and chair of the temple open house committee, shared the community’s warm reception. She’s spoken with locals, civic leaders, business leaders and others who feel that the temple brings peace to the community.

“It’s our responsibility to keep talking about the temple and the feelings that it gives us and the transformational power that it holds, so that people in our community are continually reminded of that and see how it can fit into their lives,” she said.

Read more about today’s dedication in the Church News.

Elder Ricardo P. Giménez, Sister Catherine Giménez, Bishop Gérald Caussé, Sister Valérie Caussé; Elder Quentin L. Cook, Sister Mary Cook, Elder James R. Rasband, Sister Mary Rasband, outside the Casper Wyoming Temple. — From left: Elder Ricardo P. Giménez, General Authority Seventy and second counselor in the North America Central Area, and his wife, Sister Catherine Giménez; Presiding Bishop Gérald Caussé and his wife, Sister Valérie Caussé; Elder Quentin L. Cook of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles and his wife, Sister Mary Cook; Elder James R. Rasband, General Authority Seventy and assistant executive director of the Temple Department and his wife, Sister Mary Rasband, pose for photos outside the Casper Wyoming Temple following the dedication on Sunday Nov. 24, 2024. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News

People exit the Casper Wyoming Temple with a backdrop of snowy mountains following the temple dedication on Sunday, Nov. 24, 2024. — Church members exit the Casper Wyoming Temple following its dedication on Sunday, Nov. 24, 2024. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News

The Casper Wyoming Temple on Friday Nov. 22, 2024. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News

Casper Wyoming Temple on Friday Nov. 22, 2024. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News

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Wyoming

Wyoming sees mixed economic forecast for 2025, report finds

Published

11 hours ago

November 24, 2024

Press Room

Wyoming sees mixed economic forecast for 2025, report finds

LARAMIE, Wyo. — Wyoming’s economic outlook is mixed for 2025, with a continuing decline in the coal industry, shortages in housing and child care, and an aging population clouding the state’s mid- and long-term growth prospects, according to a new University of Wyoming report.

The Center for Business and Economic Analysis in UW’s College of Business issued its second annual Wyoming Economic Forecast in conjunction with the Governor’s Business Forum.

“The year ahead for Wyoming holds many opportunities and challenges, including finding solutions to current binding constraints for growth — housing affordability for workers, challenging transportation and connectivity resulting in constrained access to markets, a thin and complex labor market, and the brain drain in our higher-education graduates, among others,” the report reads.

Still, the report predicts a slight increase in the state’s labor force in 2025, with just a small increase in the unemployment rate to 3.2%, lower than the national rate. And the state’s population is expected to increase slightly.

The UW economists used the large-scale structural economic forecasting model Moody’s Analytics, along with conversations with Wyoming and regional business leaders, to develop the economic outlook report.

Among the positive signs for Wyoming’s economy:

Employment in natural resources and mining is expected to rise slightly in 2025, along with increases in wholesale trade; construction; manufacturing; retail trade; transportation and utilities; financial services; education and health services; leisure and hospitality; information services; and professional and business services.
The continuing decline in employment, wages and the coal industry’s contribution to the gross state product are offset somewhat by a relatively strong outlook for other natural resources, including trona and rare earth elements.
There are strong business startup numbers, along with growing manufacturing clusters, most notably in Sheridan and Casper.
Wyoming ranks No. 2 nationally in science and engineering degrees as a percentage of higher education degrees conferred, with 45.8% of the awarded degrees in those fields compared to the national average of 35.7%.
Venture capital disbursed per $1 million in gross state product in 2022 was $16,149.76 versus the U.S. average of $9,898.93; dollars disbursed per venture capital deal totaled $11.49 million, ranking Wyoming No. 5 nationally versus the U.S. average of $10.14 million per deal.
The rate of patents has increased significantly, with 15.18 patents per 1,000 individuals in science and engineering occupations, up from the historical range of four to 12 patents per 1,000 people in those fields.
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, new business applications in the state were up 25% between September 2023 and September 2024. Wyoming also recently was ranked as the sixth-most entrepreneurial state in the nation by The Digital Project.

On the other hand, economic headwinds include:

A continuing lack of quality, affordable housing.
Rising property values that are pinching many Wyoming homeowners, although Wyoming residential property tax rates are still among the lowest in the nation.
Continuing lack of access to child care for workers.
Continuing lack of mobility for business travelers, with numerous winter closures of highways and some reductions in airline service.
Lack of reliable internet connectivity, with 18.5% of Wyoming locations currently unserved by any broadband provider.
A relatively low college-going rate, with only about half of Wyoming high school graduates pursuing higher education.
Continuing outmigration of college-educated young people, with around 37% of UW alumni still living in the state among graduates between 2007-2024.
The growth in the state’s population will be driven primarily by people ages 45 and over, with the populations of residents 0-4, 5-19, 20-24 and 25-44 years old expected to decline.

“The implications of our aging population are broad reaching,” the report reads. “The K-12 school-age student population will be impacted in both the near- and long-term; the workforce necessary for economic growth and the number of potential entrepreneurs and small-business owners will decline. In addition, by 2031, the high school enrollment of the state is expected to decline by 5.6%, according to the National Center for Educational Statistics.”

People can read the full Wyoming Economic Forecast online here.

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