Avalanche Strikes Wyoming Skiers: One Dead, Another Injured on Togwotee Pass
A deadly avalanche on Togwotee Pass leaves one skier dead and another injured—rescue efforts hit by weather and treacherous conditions. 🌐 #News #JacksonWY #Wyoming #Accident
JACKSON, WY – A deadly avalanche in Wyoming’s backcountry tragically claimed the life of one skier and left another injured on Saturday. The group of four was navigating a remote part of Togwotee Pass, east of Grand Teton National Park, when the avalanche struck. As the snow swept over them, the mountain would soon become a battleground for searchers racing against the clock.
Avalanche Strikes as Skiers Ascend Togwotee Pass
The incident occurred in the Breccia Cliffs area, where a group of skiers triggered the avalanche as they ascended the skin track. It was a risky part of the mountain, and as they were making their way up, the snow gave way beneath them.
Teton County Search and Rescue (TCSAR) immediately responded to the distress call, but the situation was dire from the start.
Difficult Rescue Effort Amid Challenging Conditions
Rescue teams quickly mobilized, but their efforts were hampered by severe weather conditions. TCSAR deployed personnel on snowmobiles, skis, and even in a helicopter.
Unfortunately, the weather forced the helicopter to turn back, and the snowmobiles could not make it through the tough terrain. After facing these obstacles, rescuers on skis were the first to reach the victims around 3:47 p.m.
One skier had been completely buried, and another was partially trapped, sustaining a lower leg injury. Rescuers worked fast, providing first aid to the injured skier and recovering the body of the deceased.
Honoring the Victims and Their Loved Ones
The skier who lost his life in the avalanche was identified as 36-year-old Kenneth Goff of Lander, Wyoming.
In this moment of profound loss, we extend our deepest sympathy to Kenneth’s family and friends.
The Bible offers comfort during difficult times with the words of Psalm 34:18: “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” May these words provide solace as the community comes together to support those affected.
The Role of Technology in Emergency Response
The emergency call that initiated the rescue came via iPhone’s text-to-911 function, a relatively new service. However, TCSAR noted that the message did not specify whether skiers or snowmobilers were involved in the incident.
To improve the efficiency of future responses, rescuers urged users of the text-to-911 service to include essential details, such as the nature of the emergency, the mechanism of injury, and the number of people in the party.
“This is an important factor to consider in your backcountry planning should an accident occur,” TCSAR stated.
In moments of crisis, it’s clear that accurate and timely communication can make all the difference.
RELATED TOPICS: Accidents | Wyoming
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