Wyo Jackson. As they ascended a mountain in western Wyoming, the group they were in caused a massive snowslide that killed one skier and injured another.
About 20 miles east of Grand Teton National Park, in a remote location, the avalanche occurred on Saturday.
According to Teton County Search and Rescue and the Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center, a massive slab of snow, about five feet thick, broke free and slid as the four-person group ascended a steep slope at an elevation of 10,400 feet, completely burying the victim and partially burying another skier.
Just before noon, authorities were alerted to the mishap. Rescuers used skis to arrive at the scene about four hours after a helicopter attempted to arrive but was forced to turn back due to stormy conditions.
According to Brent Blue, the coroner for Teton County, Kenneth Goff, 36, of Lander, Wyoming, was slain. Leg injuries were sustained by the second victim.
Goff was a nurse with extensive outdoor expertise, including working with Lander’s search and rescue team. According to a National Outdoor Leadership School official on Sunday, Goff has been teaching climbing and mountaineering courses there since 2017.
“Kenny was calm and caring, chronically positive, a friend to everyone, and a climbing partner to many,” stated Sarah Martin, head of the NOLS Rocky Mountain campus. We will miss him terribly.
According to National Weather Service forecaster Jason Straub, Wyoming has seen a number of snowstorms in recent weeks, including one on Saturday.
His passing is the seventh avalanche-related mortality in the United States this season.
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