A tragic avalanche claimed the life of one skier and injured another on Saturday in western Wyoming. The incident occurred approximately 20 miles east of Grand Teton National Park, in a backcountry area at an elevation of 10,400 feet (3,150 meters). A group of four skiers was ascending a steep slope when a large slab of snow, roughly 5 feet (1.5 meters) thick, detached and slid, completely burying one skier and partially burying another.
Teton County Search and Rescue and the Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center responded to an alert received just before noon. Inclement weather hampered rescue efforts; a helicopter was initially dispatched but forced to turn back due to a storm. Rescuers eventually reached the scene on skis after nearly four hours.
Kenneth Goff, 36, of Lander, Wyoming, succumbed to his injuries. Teton County Coroner Brent Blue confirmed his death. The second victim sustained leg injuries. Goff, a registered nurse, possessed extensive wilderness experience, notably serving with Lander’s search and rescue team. Since 2017, he had also worked as an instructor at the National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS), teaching climbing and mountaineering courses.
Sarah Martin, NOLS Rocky Mountain campus director, described Goff as “calm and caring, chronically positive, a climbing partner to many, and a friend to all.” His loss, she said, will be deeply felt.
The avalanche occurred amidst a recent series of snowstorms that swept across Wyoming, including one on Saturday, according to National Weather Service forecaster Jason Straub. Goff’s death represents the fifth avalanche fatality in the United States this winter.