Critical Injury Reported After Avalanche Burial on Teton Pass

The backcountry community is holding its breath after an incident on Teton Pass, WY this past Saturday. Around 2:15 p.m. on December 20, a skier was caught in a wind slab avalanche in the popular Bear Claw area. Initial reports from our friends at the Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center (BTAC) indicate the slide was likely triggered by the skier on a steep, 40-degree northeast-facing slope.

The aftermath was immediate and intense. The Wyoming Department of Transportation (WYDOT) closed the road for roughly 45 minutes to allow Teton County Search and Rescue (TCSAR) to land on the highway. The victim, who sustained critical injuries, was either fully or partially buried before being extracted and transported for medical care.

The slide occurred at approximately 8,500 feet, featuring a slab depth between 12 to 18 inches. While classified as a D2 avalanche, its location near rocky outcrops and wind-loaded drifts made it a life-threatening event. On the day of the incident, the avalanche danger was rated as Considerable.

We live for the deep days, but we respect the dragon. This incident shows the importance of local avalanche reports, like those from BTAC, warnings about wind-loaded drifts and shooting cracks. If you are heading out, remember that even familiar terrain can turn into a nightmare when the snowpack is stressed. Always carry your beacon, shovel, and probe, and never drop in without a solid partner and a plan.