A tragic avalanche incident occurred this past weekend at Togwotee Pass in Wyoming, resulting in the death of a 36-year-old skier and injuring another. According to reports from ABC News and USA Today, the incident took place around noon on Saturday near Grand Teton National Park.

The group of four skiers triggered the avalanche while ascending a skin track at the Breccia Cliffs. Immediate reports indicated a level of confusion about whether the parties involved were skiers or snowmobilers, but it was later confirmed they were skiing. By the time Teton County Search and Rescue (TCSAR) reached the site at approximately 3:47 p.m., conditions had hindered any air response due to adverse weather.

It was reported that one skier was fully buried by the avalanche while another sustained a lower leg injury after being only partially buried. The rescue teams mobilized quickly, employing a litter to transport the injured skier out and a stretcher to recover the deceased, identified as Kenneth Goff from Lander, Wyoming, according to the Teton County Coroner.

TCSAR extended condolences to the family and friends of Goff, who was described as calm, caring, and chronically positive by those who knew him. The organization emphasized the importance of being prepared for emergencies in such challenging environments, noting that conditions could significantly delay rescue missions.

An investigation into the avalanche is currently underway by the Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center, which will assess the circumstances of this tragic event to provide insights that may prevent similar incidents in the future.

The avalanche serves as a poignant reminder of the dangers inherent in backcountry skiing, particularly in mountainous terrain where conditions can change rapidly.