Skier Killed, Another Injured in Avalanche Near Grand Teton National Park
A skier was killed, and another sustained injuries following an avalanche near Grand Teton National Park in Wyoming over the weekend. The tragic incident occurred on Togwotee Pass on Saturday, as reported by Teton County Search & Rescue (TCSAR).
Emergency responders received an alert about an avalanche burial just before noon on Saturday. Initially, it was unclear whether the victims were skiers or snowmobilers. Further information revealed that a group of four skiers had triggered the avalanche while ascending a skin track in the Breccia Cliffs area.
The avalanche partially buried one skier, who suffered a lower leg injury, and fully buried another, who did not survive. Neither victim nor other members of the group have been identified as of Sunday night.
TCSAR mobilized a rescue effort, with volunteers reaching the scene at approximately 3:47 p.m., nearly four hours after the emergency call. Teams on skis worked to treat the injured skier and recover the deceased individual. Weather conditions, however, hindered air and snowmobile response teams.
The injured skier was transported to safety in a rescue basket, known as a litter, and then transferred to an ambulance from Grand Teton National Park. The deceased skier was removed from the site using a Sked, a stretcher designed for emergency backcountry use.
TCSAR emphasized the challenges posed by adverse weather, which significantly delayed the rescue mission. The organization extended condolences to the victim’s family and friends and highlighted the importance of preparedness and communication in backcountry emergencies.
“This serves as a reminder of how much longer a mission can take when a helicopter is grounded,” TCSAR stated, urging the public to include specific details about emergencies when contacting responders.
The Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center is investigating the incident. TCSAR called on backcountry adventurers to consider all potential risks and to plan for challenging conditions that might impede rescue operations in remote areas.
