Avalanche
“It was determined that Kincaid was wearing an avalanche beacon but it was not activated at the time of the avalanche. Its unclear at this time why the beacon was not activated.”
– Bonneville County, ID Sheriff’s Office, 4/4/20
According to the Bonneville County Sheriff’s Office, Victor Idaho resident, and legendary professional snowmobiler, Rob Kincaid, was killed in an avalanche on Friday afternoon near Palisades Peak, ID.
Rob’s avalanche transceiver was not turned on at the time of the avalanche.
“After approximately 2 1/2 hours of searching, Kincaid was located and despite first aide efforts could not be resuscitated.”
– Bonneville County, ID Sheriff’s Office, 4/4/20
This is the 2nd avalanche death in the Tetons in the past 3-days where the victim did not have a transmitting avalanche beacon at the time of the avalanche.
Had Rob’s avalanche transceiver been on, he may have survived this avalanche.
Rob’s body wasn’t recovered until this morning, Saturday.
Rob was 46-years-old and leaves behind a wife and 2 children.
This was the 21st avalanche death in the USA this season.
The USA averages 28 avalanche fatalities per season.
“Kincaid was a professional hill climb competitor in the Rocky Mountain Snowmobile Hillclimb Association circuit and a professional back country rider for Team Arctic Cat who garnered countless honors and awards during his career.”
Bonneville County Sheriff’s Office Press Release
on Rob Kincaid Avalanche Death:
April 4th, 2020
UPDATED PRESS RELEASE
Victim: Robert Kincaid, 46 of Victor, ID
Bonneville County Sheriff’s Deputies, Search and Rescue, and Air Idaho Rescue were able to resume operations this morning and recover the victim from yesterday’s avalanche, 46 year old Robert Kincaid of Victor Idaho.
At the time of the avalanche, a party of approximately 10 riders, including Kincaid, were riding together in the Austin Canyon area. While one rider went to call for help, others in the party immediately began probing and searching for Kincaid with the assistance of 6 other riders that arrived to the area.
After approximately 2 1/2 hours of searching, Kincaid was located and despite first aide efforts could not be resuscitated. It was determined that Kincaid was wearing an avalanche beacon but it was not activated at the time of the avalanche. Its unclear at this time why the beacon was not activated.
The Bonneville County Sheriff’s Office is saddened by this tragedy and the effect its had on the Kincaid family and their friends. Again we remind those who winter recreate to always be prepared for emergencies, be aware of current conditions before you go, and stay away from avalanche prone areas that are dangerous for riders and rescue personnel.
Rob’s death has shocked the snowmobiling world and the outpouring of support on his social media is staggering.
“Every kid has an athlete that they look up to and admire…. For some kids it’s Michael Jordan, others it’s maybe LeBron James… growing up loving snowmobiles Rob was all of those things and than some to me and Actually Getting to know him on a personal level the last three years was an unbelievable experience and words won’t come close to describing how crazy all of this seams! Rob will defiantly be missed… rest easy buddy….”
– Michael Bednarek via Facebook
The Bridger-Teton National Forest Avalanche Center reported the avalanche danger for the Grey’s River Area, including the Palisades Peak zone, as “Moderate” for Friday.
Please remember to do a beacon check with all of your backcountry partners before entering the backcountry every single time.
Snowmobiling lost one of its greatest legends and closest family member. Words cannot describe the great sorrow we feel about the passing of Rob Kincaid.
Our deepest condolences go out to the Kincaid family and friends during this very difficult time. He was a big part of the Arctic Cat family and so much more. We are honored he chose to share his passion and love of snowmobiling not only with the Arctic Cat team but also with the whole snowmobiling industry and really – anyone else he could. He will be missed every day and remembered forever.
“One of the most colorful and fun guys to be around, he was talented and committed to the sport of snowmobiling,” wrote friend and photographer Erik Fleischhacker of Swan Valley on his Facebook page this morning. “He could always put the sled where I needed it for the shot, and he’d even give me a ride when I needed it. I was fortunate enough to record the raw reaction he had when he won his first championship at Jackson Hole. What an awesome guy!”
– Arctic Cat, 4/3/20
