One Fatality in Major Avalanche in Western Wyoming Backcountry

JACKSON, Wyo.—A skier was killed and another injured when an avalanche, triggered by their group, swept down a mountain in western Wyoming.

The incident occurred Saturday in a remote backcountry area approximately 20 miles east of Grand Teton National Park.

While ascending a steep slope at 10,400 feet, a massive snow slab estimated to be 5 feet thick broke loose, burying one skier completely and partially covering another, as reported by Teton County Search and Rescue along with the Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center.

Authorities were alerted to the accident just before noon. It took rescuers nearly four hours to reach the location on skis after a helicopter attempted to access the site but had to retreat due to adverse weather conditions.

Kenneth Goff, 36, from Lander, Wyoming, was confirmed dead by Teton County Coroner Brent Blue. The second skier sustained injuries to their legs.

Goff was a nurse with extensive wilderness experience, including service on Lander’s search and rescue team. Since 2017, he had been teaching at the National Outdoor Leadership School, specializing in climbing and mountaineering courses, according to a representative from the school.

“Kenny was calm, compassionate, perpetually positive, a reliable climbing partner, and a friend to many,” commented Sarah Martin, director of the NOLS Rocky Mountain campus. “He will be deeply missed.”

A series of snowstorms has swept across Wyoming in recent weeks, including the one that hit on Saturday, noted National Weather Service forecaster Jason Straub.

This incident marks the fifth avalanche-related fatality in the U.S. this winter.