A backcountry skier was killed by an avalanche in the Jackson Hole, WY backcountry today, according to Jackson Hole Mountain Resort.

He/she was skiing Ralph’s Slide in the Rock Springs backcountry area just south of the boundary of the Jackson Hole ski resort.

“The avalanche was skier triggered and reported to be a minimum of two feet deep at the crown.  One skier was partially buried with obvious signs of trauma and pronounced dead on the scene.” – Jackson Hole Mountain Resort

Jackson Hole ski patrol arrived on the scene and confirmed the avalanche death at 11:27am today.

The Jackson Hole region has seen 8-13″ of new snow in the past 48 hours with wind.

Avalanche danger was rated at CONSIDERABLE at the time of the avalanche today.

Considerable is the avalanche ranking the most people die under.

The Tetons including Jackson Hole and Jackson are currently under a Winter Storm Warning.

We will provide more details as they become available.

Jackson Hole Press Release:

Skier Fatally Injured in Backcountry adjacent to Jackson Hole Mountain Resort

(Teton Village, WY. February 17, 2018) It is with regret that Jackson Hole Mountain Resort (JHMR) reports one skier was fatally injured in the Rock Spring Backcountry located south of JHMR. 

At approximately 11:18 am JHMR Ski Patrol received a call reporting an accident as result of an avalanche in the backcountry south of Jackson Hole Mountain Resort in an unspecific location. Ski Patrol immediately sent responders to locate the scene.

At approximately 11:27 am the Jackson Hole Ski Patrol arrived on the scene and confirmed the location at Ralph’s Slide, in Rock Springs in between areas known as Zero G and M & M.  At the time of the slide, avalanche conditions were considerable.  The avalanche was skier triggered and reported to be a minimum of two feet deep at the crown.  One skier was partially buried with obvious signs of trauma and pronounced dead on the scene.

“We are saddened to report this fatality, and the staff at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort join me in expressing our deepest sympathies to the family and friends of the victim,” commented Jerry Blann, President of JHMR.  With more snow on the way, this incident reminds skiers and riders to be prepared, and understand the hazards and risks that exist in the backcountry.