Avalanche
A skier sustained critical injuries after being caught in a wind slab avalanche in the Bear Claw area of Teton Pass, Wyoming, on Saturday afternoon, according to preliminary reports from the Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center (BTAC).
The avalanche occurred around 2:15 p.m. on December 20 at an elevation of roughly 8,500 feet on a northeast-facing slope. Forecasters from the BTAC said the slide was likely triggered by a skier and classified it as a small D2 avalanche, capable of causing severe injury or death. The slab depth was estimated at one foot, with some crowns reaching up to 18 inches.
An observer report submitted by forecaster Carus Via, referencing information from the Teton Interagency Dispatch, described the avalanche as releasing on a steep, 40-degree slope beneath wind-loaded cliffs. Observers from the road confirmed visible crown lines and deposition zones consistent with recent wind transport and slab formation.
Officials said the skier was critically injured and either fully or partially buried, though the extent of burial has not been confirmed. Search and rescue teams responded to the incident, and additional details—including the skier’s current condition—remain unknown as of Sunday morning.
The avalanche forecast for the day was ‘considerable’, with the BTAC warning, “Dangerous avalanche conditions exist in the backcountry. Skiers and riders have the potential to trigger slab avalanches in steep terrain above 8000 feet on a variety of aspects. Avoid areas with obvious signs of wind loading however any steep terrain is suspect and requires snowpack evaluation. Shooting cracks will be a strong warning sign that an area or slope is unstable.”
The Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center cautioned backcountry travelers that recent wind events have created unstable slabs in the mid and upper elevations across the region. Forecasters plan to release further information and analysis of the Bear Claw avalanche once photographs and field data are thoroughly reviewed later this week.
For updates and detailed backcountry conditions, visit jhavalanche.org.
Photos of Teton Pass Avalanche
