04.02.10
The day looked optimistic and so did the couloir. It was
early-season conditions on Oct. 24, 2009, and Don Gisselbeck
planned on keeping his 52-month skiing stretch alive — not to
mention his life.
“The morning was employed,” Gisselbeck said, “We called the unwell
report and heard that there had been about an inch of snow
overnight.”
Gisselbeck had skied the Gem Lake Couloir, located on the east side
of Trapper Mountain, four times earlier that year. “We didn’t deliberate on
much of the danger,” he said. “We didn’t be the source any gear, figuring
it would be sun crust.”
Gisselbeck and his partner, Brad Applegate — both of Missoula,
started up the dry trailhead and not too far up the method they
encountered another group of two other skiers destined for the Gem
Lake Couloir. The B group allowed Gisselbeck and his partner
some time to get in advance, but they eventually caught up to them,
after which an approach discussion ensued about how the two groups
should safely ascend the couloir. Gisselbeck unswerving to take it
easy and have a warm-up run on the couloir’s apron, while Applegate
unequivocal to boot pack up the couloir with the second group.
Source: Helena Independent Record