An avalanche in western Wyoming has tragically resulted in the death of one skier and injuries for another after their group triggered a large snow slide while ascending a mountain. The incident occurred on Saturday in a backcountry area approximately 20 miles east of Grand Teton National Park (The Guardian).

As the quartet navigated a steep slope at an elevation of 10,400 feet (3,150 meters), a large slab of snow around 5 feet (1.5 meters) thick broke away, completely burying the victim, identified as Kenneth Goff, a 36-year-old experienced climber and nurse from Lander, Wyoming, while partially burying a second skier (AP News). According to Teton County Search and Rescue and the Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center, help was summoned just before noon, and rescuers faced a challenging trek, requiring almost four hours to reach the site on skis after a helicopter had to retreat due to adverse weather conditions.

The area has been experiencing a series of snowstorms in recent weeks, including one on the day of the incident, as reported by National Weather Service forecaster Jason Straub. Goff's passing marks the fifth fatality associated with avalanches in the US this winter, raising concerns about winter safety in the backcountry (Independent).

Goff was remembered fondly by the National Outdoor Leadership School where he instructed climbing and mountaineering courses. Sarah Martin, the campus director, noted that “Kenny was calm and caring, chronically positive” and reflected the loss felt by the community.

For further details, visit AP News or Independent.