A tragic avalanche near Grand Teton National Park in Wyoming resulted in one fatality and one injury over the weekend, ABC News reports.
The incident occurred on Saturday, when a group of four skiers triggered an avalanche near Togwotee Pass.
According to Teton County Search & Rescue (TCSAR), responders were alerted to the avalanche burial just before noon on Saturday, although initial reports did not clarify whether the victims were skiers or snowmobilers. It was later confirmed that the 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 sustained a lower leg injury, and fully buried another skier, who was later found deceased. As of Sunday evening, the identities of the victims and the remaining members of the ski party had not been released.
TCSAR’s response team reached the site at approximately 3:47 p.m., almost four hours after the emergency alert was received. They immediately began providing treatment to the injured skier and worked to recover the body of the deceased skier. Due to the challenging terrain and weather conditions, the team used specialized equipment, including a “litter” for the injured skier and a “Sked” stretcher for the deceased.
The TCSAR team was supported by responders on snowmobiles, skis, and helicopters. However, weather conditions hindered the helicopter response, and snowmobiles were also unable to reach the skiers in time. The injured skier was safely transported to a waiting ambulance from Grand Teton National Park.
TCSAR expressed condolences to the families of the victims and reminded backcountry enthusiasts of the importance of preparedness, especially regarding the availability of rescue resources. The Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center is investigating the incident.
