STAR VALLEY RANCH, Wyo. — The Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center (BTAC) reported the death of a backcountry skier in an avalanche on Sunday, Jan. 14, 2024. The incident happened just before noon in Prater Canyon, north of Star Valley Ranch within the Greys River zone.
According to a preliminary report from BTAC, the two skiers approached the trailhead via snow machines and then skinned the track leading up to the ridge for Little Poudre within Prater Canyon. Once at the top of the ridge, the skiers discussed their descent route along the sub-ridge feature based on the conditions. The party skied several hundred vertical feet from the ridge without incident.
The two skiers regrouped after the first pitch to discuss route strategies, and when the second skier diverted from the intended route, a two to three feet thick and 50 feet wide soft slab was triggered on a steeper terrain feature adjacent to the gully. Debris funneled into the gully and carried the victim through brush and trees. The second skier was buried under approximately two feet of snow.
“Despite careful route-finding and experienced riders who did many things right, the second skier on a slope triggered a relatively small avalanche on a steep terrain feature that funneled into a gully. This avalanche occurred around 8,700 feet on a NW aspect,” BTAC said.
The first skier performed a beacon search and within 15 minutes, the second skier was excavated with signs of a leg injury. The first skier checked for a pulse and performed CPR for one hour and 30 minutes. The BTAC observation report notes that due to the nature of the skiers injuries and position to debris, the skier likely died of trauma.
Due to dangerous avalanche conditions, both skiers were extricated via helicopter. Responding law enforcement officers witnessed another avalanche while on the scene.
“Our hearts go out to the friends and family of those involved,” BTAC said.
Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center notes thats that an avalanche warning remains in effect for the Tetons and Greys River forecasting areas with a danger rating of “High” above 7,500 feet in the Greys River area and a rating of “High” above 9,000 feet in the Tetons.
