Ground shaking caused roadbeds to settle and crack, hampering safe driving. This highway is U.S. 91 between West Yellowstone and Hebgen Lake.

1959 Hebgen Lake, MT earthquake; magnitude 7.5

Campers in Madison Canyon wait for rescue after their usual exits are blocked by the enormous Madison Canyon landslide to the west and smaller landslides to the east that dropped parts of the highway into Hebgen Lake. The man in the wheelchair is Henry Bennett of Arizona. During the earthquake, rising water swept him out of his sleeping bag.

1959 Hebgen Lake, MT earthquake; magnitude 7.5

U.S. Forest Service smoke jumpers were first into the area between Hebgen Dam and the landslide to check on campers, administer first aid, and relay rescue needs to the outside world.

1959 Hebgen Lake, MT earthquake; magnitude 7.5

Helicopters took the injured from the earthquake area to a First Aid Station in West Yellowstone, MT.

1959 Hebgen Lake, MT earthquake; magnitude 7.5

Chalked messages on Hebgen Dam tell those flying over that the dam is OK, but that people need help (SOS) to get out of the canyon.

1959 Hebgen Lake, MT earthquake; magnitude 7.5

Click here for page 1 of the 1959 Hebgen Lake, MT earthquake photographs.
Click here for page 2 of the 1959 Hebgen Lake, MT earthquake photographs.
Click here for page 3 of the 1959 Hebgen Lake, MT earthquake photographs.
Click here for page 4 of the 1959 Hebgen Lake, MT earthquake photographs.
Click here for page 6 of the 1959 Hebgen Lake, MT earthquake photographs.
Click here for page 7 of the 1959 Hebgen Lake, MT earthquake photographs.

Return to Hebgen Lake Earthquake Summary.