Snowmobiler Killed by Avalanche in Wyoming Yesterday

A 25-year-old man was killed in an avalanche while snowmobiling in Wyoming on Thursday, February 23rd, 2023.

The man, from Wisconsin, was with a group of people near Poker Flats on ‘the South End.’ The man was side-hilling above a creek in Smith’s Fork at 8,100′, reports Buckrail.

Star Valley Search and Rescue was paged at 1:08 pm for the state’s first avalanche fatality of the season.

• Related: Head On A Swivel – Snowmobile Avalanche Awareness

Nobody else was involved in the slide.

Authorities have not released the man’s identity because his family has not yet been notified.

Yesterday’s avalanche danger was rated ‘considerable’ above 9,000 feet and moderate below.

“A cold front moved down across the area early yesterday which replaced the warm, wet storm with cold temperature, light snow showers. The Tetons picked up 2″ new snow, the Greys River zone 1-3″ while Togwotee received an inch. Wind speeds was strong in the morning from the east in Togwotee, and from the north in the Tetons and Greys. Tempereratures bottomed out late last night in the negative teens to negative twenty.

A warming trend is beginning though temps this morning remain just below zero in the Tetons, -10 to -15 in Togwotee and the Wyoming Range. Light snow showers  continue today with up to three inches possible in the mountains. Wind will be from variable across forecast areas at 15-20 mph above 10,000′.”

– Thursday’s Avalanche Forecast – BTAC

There have been ten avalanche deaths in the US this winter and nine in Canada. On average, the US sees 27 avalanche deaths a season.