Forum Views ()
Forum Replies ()
Read more with google mobile :
Scars linger from killer Montana earthquake of '59
Yahoo!
My Yahoo!
Mail
Yahoo! Search
Search:
Sign InNew User? Sign Up
News Home -
Help
Navigation
Primary Navigation
Home
Singapore
Asia Pacific
World
Business
Entertainment
Sports
Technology
Top Stories
Most Popular
Secondary Navigation
Africa
Europe
Latin America
Middle East
North America
Search
Search:
Scars linger from killer Montana earthquake of '59
By MATTHEW BROWN,Associated Press Writer AP - Monday, August 17
GALLATIN NATIONAL FOREST, Mont. - Just before midnight under the moon's gray light, the world tilted and tore off a Montana mountainside. Sliding rock buried 19 campers alive, their bodies never found, and 80 million tons of rock and trees tumbled into Madison River Canyon, leaving rubble piled more than 200 feet deep.
ADVERTISEMENT
The Aug. 17, 1959 earthquake that caused the slide in southwestern Montana remains the largest ever recorded in the Rocky Mountains.
Five more campers drowned when displaced air whooshed down the canyon and swept them into the Madison River. Survivors reported the wind generated by the slide was so strong it ripped off their clothes.
Ten miles away, 15-year-old Martin Stryker was shaken awake in his tent. Woozy with vertigo, he told his two younger brothers to stay put and then went outside. The first thing he saw was a tree fallen on the family's car.
"You're thinking, 'I wonder where Dad is?' Then I look over to the left and there I see a huge boulder on top of (his) tent," Stryker recalled in a recent interview from his home in California.
Stryker's father and stepmother were dead, victims of a second, smaller slide. Two more people later died from injuries suffered that night, bringing the final death toll to 28 for the magnitude 7.5 earthquake.
"It happened so God-darned fast," Stryker said. "There was dust and a roar and a smell of pine trees you couldn't believe. It was like the smell when you cut a tree, but these trees had all been snapped."
Fifty years on only a few hundred pines have grown back where the massive slide occurred _ small splashes of green within the jagged, gray-brown scar of rock that straddles the canyon.
It will take decades more, possibly centuries, for evidence of the earthquake to fade altogether from the landscape. But the scene of the 1959 tragedy already has evolved from natural disaster to geological attraction.
The rockslide that blocked the canyon also backed up the Madison River to form 5-mile-long Earthquake Lake, now a popular draw for tourists and fishermen.
Along Highway 287 on the lake's north shore, the Gallatin National Forest has highlighted points of earthquake interest with a self-guided "Madison River Canyon Earthquake Area Auto Tour." Signposted stops include abandoned sections of the highway that now end in boat ramps and a "ghost village" of cabins uprooted by the flood.
Atop the rock pile that entombs 19 campers, the Forest Service's Earthquake Lake Visitor Center offers floor-to-ceiling views of the rubble.
The magnitude of the rockslide is what catches most people's attention, but visitor center supervisor Joanne Girvin said it's the stories of those who survived that offer the most drama.
"Here they are on vacation, a full moon night, and you have an earthquake. Then you have a massive rockslide. Then you have a river being blocked by the flood and there's no escape route," Girvin said. "Their stories are important."
The epicenter of the quake was 17 miles west of the rockslide, near the resort community of Hebgen Lake.
When the earth's crust shifted that night, the man-made lake tilted down at one end, setting off a giant wave that rolled across the lake and back. Cabins and other buildings were destroyed.
No one was killed by the wave, but it triggered a flurry of speculation that the dam at the lake's west end would give way and flood downstream communities. The town of Ennis was quickly evacuated, but the dam held.
David Bittner was a 19-year-old fire lookout that summer, stationed atop a 10,300-foot peak overlooking Hebgen Lake.
Now living in Macedon, N.Y., where he retired as a band director several years ago, Bittner said he could see, but not hear, the wave rolling across Hebgen Lake. He said it looked like a thin, slowly moving pencil line.
Only months later, while reading a story about the quake in National Geographic, did Bittner realize what he had seen.
A commemoration of the earthquake anniversary is scheduled for Monday with a memorial service at the top of the rock pile.
Among those planning to attend is Bill Conley, now 66, of Walla Walla, Wash., who was camping with his family just outside the slide zone when the quake hit.
In an interview, Conley recalled lame and bloodied survivors limping into his family's campsite, one of the few spared in the slide.
"There was a tremendous roar, absolutely deafening," Conley said. "Then it was absolutely stone quiet. You couldn't hear a peep. And then probably within a minute you started to hear cries for help. But there wasn't anything we could do to care for people in that mess."
Email Story
IM Story
Printable View
Blog This
Sign in to recommend this article »
0 users recommend
Related Articles: World
Seven dead as accident shuts top Russia hydro stationReuters - 2 hours 14 minutes ago
Turkmen join Arabs to stop vote on Iraq oil provinceAFP - Monday, August 17
AP IMPACT: Banks added 10,000 branches in boomAP - Monday, August 17
12 foreign ecotourists robbed on trip in PeruAP - Monday, August 17
Venezuela says no plan to stiffen oil pact termsAP - Monday, August 17
Most Popular – World
Viewed
Don't brush with baldness: put down that comb
In death, as in life, Jackson surrounded by wackiness
Singer George Michael arrested after car crash
Millions of salmon fail to turn up in Canada
Eternal resting spot next to Marilyn Monroe to be auctioned
View Complete List »
Search:
Home
Singapore
Asia Pacific
World
Business
Entertainment
Sports
Technology
Top Stories
Most Popular
Copyright © 2009 Yahoo! Southeast Asia Pte Ltd. (Co. Reg. No. 199700735D). All Rights Reserved.
Privacy Policy
- Terms of Service
- Community
- Intellectual Property Rights Policy
- Help
Other News on Monday, 17 August 2009 Israeli soldier stole from military chief's office
Iran releases French teacher on bail: Elysee
| International
|
IBM uses DNA to make next-gen microchips
North Korea to reopen border with South: report
| International
|
Bombs kill at least 8 people in Iraq market
Too gung-ho? Israel military rabbis draw criticism
At least 6 killed by bombs at Baghdad restaurant
| International
|
Afghan govt says over 30 rebels killed
Qaeda stronger as blasts feed Iraqi Kurd-Arab feud
Single exit compounded deaths in Kuwait wedding fire
Iraqi worries grow as blast walls vanish
IBM uses DNA to make next-gen microchips
| Technology
|
Hurricane Camille's fury remembered 40 years later
US condemns return of Afghan warlord as vote looms
Gene variant predicts hepatitis treatment success
Iran dispatches China 70-52 for Asian crown
Hawaii's marks 50th anniversary of statehood
Official: 13 die in floods in northwest Pakistan
Hawaii plans quiet, sobering 50th anniversary
Afghans told they can vote _ as mortar shells fly
How were Social Security numbers given away?
Karzai's image down as Afghan election approaches
GOP senator: People have lost confidence in gov't
NKorea says Kim Jong Il met Hyundai Group chief
Hat-trick man Lin makes badminton history
Congressman says Obama able to keep tax pledge
Thai elephant takes 1st steps with artificial leg
North Korea in nuclear threat, Kim meets Hyundai boss
NYC schools prepare for 2nd outbreak of swine flu
1,000 still stuck in Taiwan as foreign aid arrives
Gov't recommends child care plan if swine flu hits
Sebelius: Public insurance option not essential
North Korea's Kim Jong-il meets Hyundai chairwoman
'District 9' lifts off with No. 1 weekend at $37M
Alien action film District 9 tops box office
| Entertainment
|
US-ENTERTAINMENT Summary
Alien action film "District 9" tops box office
'District 9' lifts off with No. 1 weekend at $37M
'Don't worry be curry': Germany celebrates currywurst
Carnival mood for Mumbai's gay Pride march
Russian punk rockers rage against the Putin machine
Turkmen join Arabs to stop vote on Iraq oil province
Rescue effort for stranded climber in Pakistan called off
Last hours of campaign, Karzai seeks warlord edge
| International
|
Smoke-spewing Trabant poised for rebirth as electric car
Tropical storms race toward the Caribbean
North Korea reopens to South as economy weakens
| International
|
Robots at war: will humans stay in the loop?
Obamas marvel at Grand Canyon
More British deaths as PM says Afghan mission 'vital'
Indian PM says Pakistan groups planning new attacks
| International
|
Ahmadinejad plans female ministers in Iran cabinet
Taiwan searches for blame, causes after deadly typhoon
| International
|
Peres poems turned to song for his 86th birthday
Leader of banned Pakistan militant group shot dead
| International
|
Iran could release French researcher within hours: French FM
At least 11 dead in bombing in Russia's Ingushetia
| International
|
Taliban directly threaten Afghan polls
Thai red shirts rally, seek pardon for Thaksin
| International
|
Bombs kill at least 8 people in Iraq market
Suspected rebels attack U.N. compound in Somalia
| International
|
At least 6 killed by bombs at Baghdad restaurant
Pakistani troops hurt in suicide bombing
UK pilot 'killed' in Malaysia testing new plane
Taiwan must airlift many typhoon victims: govt
Man stabs himself outside Japan parliament: police
SKorean golfers celebrate Yang's historic PGA win
AP IMPACT: Banks added 10,000 branches in boom
UN probes Aboriginal discrimination allegations
North Korea, its economy weaker, reopens to South
Police: NY man beaten in racially charged robbery
Strong quake rattles southern Japan, Taiwan
Late deal averts crippling Bay Area rail strike
Pro wrestler Angle charged with HGH possession
China's nuclear envoy to visit North Korea: report
Earthquake rattles Taiwan, no reports of damage
Obama birthplace flap evokes Chester Arthur debate
Go West, Mr. President, to America's wilderness
Scars linger from killer Montana earthquake of '59
Obama softens on 'public option' in health care debate
China must adapt to EU rules on fishing: study
RPT-NZ services sector in first expansion in 16 months
20 years on, East Germans relive flight to freedom
Alien action film District 9 tops box office
| Entertainment
|
Jay Farrar, Ben Gibbard pay tribute to Kerouac
| Entertainment
|
Weinstein Co in dire need of a hit: NY Times
| Entertainment
|
Jay Farrar, Ben Gibbard pay tribute to Kerouac
Multi-pronged career keeps guitarist Haynes busy
Ex-Disney chief's series proves desperately unfunny
| Entertainment
|
Ex-Disney chief's series proves desperately unfunny
Rotterdam: cyclists' haven in Europe's largest port
Multi-pronged career keeps guitarist Haynes busy
| Entertainment
|
Alien thriller 'District 9' lands at box office top spot
With Obama in office, Fox News finds its stride
Iraq cabinet approves vote on U.S. security pact
Russia truck bomb attack 'kills 20'
US-TECH Summary
Eurozone trade surplus doubles in June
Pandas could be extinct in 2-3 generations: report
Palestinian leader stresses talks, not "resistance"
Struggling Sony Ericsson taps new head
Dozens missing after accident at Siberia power station
Karroubi 'should be lashed' over rape claims: Iran cleric
Reformist Iran newspaper shut down
Spanair crash result of human, technical error
| International
|
Mubarak says peace first, normalisation with Israel second
Russia says finds missing ship, crew alive
| International
|
Mass rally on last Afghan campaign day
Iran police clash with protesters over daily
| International
|
Israeli troops shoot Egyptian policeman at border
Human Rights Watch: Iraqi gays tortured and killed
US soldier killed in Afghanistan
Iraq cabinet approves vote on U.S. security pact
| International
|
US-TECH Summary
Struggling Sony Ericsson taps Nordberg as new head
IBM uses DNA to make next-gen microchips
| Technology
|
Telecom operators hurt selling iPhones
| Technology
|
Struggling Sony Ericsson taps Nordberg as new head
| Technology
|
U.S. videogame sales down 29 percent in July
| Technology
|
Republican Huckabee supports Israeli settlements
Bird's Nest, SARS enter Chinese dictionary
US senators talk terrorism, Gitmo issues in Yemen
N.Korea restarts S.Korea tours in conciliatory gesture
Dean: Public option a must for health care reform
NKorea agrees to resume tours, family reunions
Obama to update veterans on Iraq, Afghanistan
First hurricane of Atlantic season gains strength
Strong quake hits off Japan, tsunami advisory issued
Dell developing mobile devices for China Mobile
| Technology
|
Immigration trial for Egyptian student to begin
Supporters seek pardon for fugitive former Thai PM
Program cut to hurt NV, nation's driest state
Obama to address VFW on Monday
US relief team arrives in Taiwan to transport aid
Hundreds allowed to go home amid Calif. wildfires
Suu Kyi's US 'guest' receives medical treatment
Australian inquiry slams wildfire failures
US civilian killed in eastern Afghanistan
China sends envoy to Washington on tire case
Pakistani stocks end lower, rupee flat after rate cut
Taiwan dollar hit over 1-mth low on fund outflows
Pakistan's foreign investment falls to $195.6 mln
Q+A-What can be done to fire up Pakistan's power sector?
Moody's ups Pakistan outlook on IMF loan increase
Japan limps out of recession
China announces iron ore deal with Australia miner
Japan's economy rebounds in 2Q on export growth
Seoul shares fall on exporters;Hyundai Merchant up =2
Widow selling husband's tomb above Marilyn Monroe
| Entertainment
|
Kiss to release new album at Wal-Mart, Sam's Club
Sundance Channel launches video-on-demand service
| Entertainment
|
Waltz crafts linguistic magic for `Basterds'
Widow selling husband's tomb above Marilyn Monroe
Record mass dive in Indonesia: Guinness
Lebanon Jewish community rebuilds ornate synagogue
Time no barrier as Cropredy Fest rocks on and on
| Entertainment
|
US troops go back to basics with Iraq forces
Soap operas spark Arab tourist boom in Turkey
Cautionary tale for Philippines boxers
'G.I. Joe' continues overseas box-office domination
Greece at new risk of being pushed off euro
Bodies of missing Tenn. mom, Jo Ann Bain, and daughter found
Female Breasts Are Bigger Than Ever
AMD Trinity Accelerated Processing Units Now in Volume Production
The Avengers (2012 film), made the second biggest opening- and single-day gross of all-time
AMD to Start Production of piledriver
Ivy Bridge Quad-Core, Four-Thread Desktop CPUs
Islamists Protest Lady Gaga's Concert in Indonesia
Japan Successfully Broadcasts an 8K Signal Over the Air
ECB boosts loans to 1 trillion Euro to stop credit crunch
Egypt : Mohammed Morsi won with 52 percent
What do you call 100,000 Frenchmen with their hands up
AMD Launches AMD Embedded R-Series APU Platform
Fed Should not Ignore Emerging Market Crisis
Fed casts shadow over India, emerging markets
Why are Chinese tourists so rude? A few insights