AFTON, Wyo. — A man died Thursday when an avalanche broke above him in the Greys River area, says Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center (BTAC).
According to BTAC, the man was side-hilling above a creek in Smith’s Fork near Poker Flats at 8,100′ when the avalanche broke.
“Signs of significant wind loading were evident to valley bottoms following the storm and wind that occurred early in the week,” BTAC said.
Across all Bridger-Teton forecast areas, moderate avalanche danger exists in the backcountry at all elevations with the potential to trigger avalanches large enough to bury a person. This hazard exists particularly on slopes with signs of wind loading.
“Our deepest sympathies to family and friends of the deceased,” BTAC said.
At the time of publishing, it is unclear if the individual was skiing, snowboarding or snowmobiling. U.S. Forest Service and BTAC investigators will be going to the scene of the incident and will release a report in the coming days. The story will be updated when more information becomes available.
