Pro Snowmobiler, Josh Roth, Dies in Idaho Avalanche

Eastern Idaho: Professional snowmobiler, Josh Roth, from Alpine Wyoming, was killed in an avalanche Thursday when riding near the Wyoming state line. 

Around 11:40 a.m. Search and Rescue teams from Bonnevile County, Idaho, as well Lincoln County, Wyoming, responded to calls regarding an injured man caught in an avalanche. Roth, 35,  had been riding with a friend when the avalanche occurred. His friend located him using an avalanche beacon and was able to dig him out from the 2-3 feet of snowpack, and call for help. Despite efforts to revive Roth, it was determined he died from injuries from the slide.

Roth ran snowmobiling clinics near Alpine, Wyoming: Josh Roth’s Pro Camp | Ride Like A Pro  

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The hardest thing for all of us to get over, is the fact that Josh is the LAST guy any of us would picture this happening to. He had all the knowledge, all the gear, and the mindset to play it safe when needed. Infact, our last interview with Josh was talking about avalanche safety.

SNOWWEST

SNOWWEST has put together a tribute to Josh Roth – find it here.

Our thoughts go out to his family and friends. 

From the Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center today – Monday, February 13, 2017

GENERAL AVALANCHE ADVISORY
Mountain temperatures are close to 10 degrees warmer than yesterday morning. At the mid and upper elevations, skiers and riders entering avalanche terrain could trigger recently developed wind slabs with greatly varying depths. As the day progresses, daytime warming, abundant sunshine and the absence of strong winds will all combine to increase the likelihood of triggering these slides, particularly on sunlit aspects. Afternoon warmth will also bring back the chance for wet slides, and cornice failures will become more likely as well. Don’t let clear skies and access to terrain that has been unavailable cloud your judgement. Monitor the extent to which the surface of the snowpack is warming, and seek out shaded terrain when snow surfaces become damp or crusts begin to break down.