Jackson Backcountry Poachers May Face Charges

The Jackson Hole backcountry gates were closed last week due to high avalanche danger. Enricokamasa photo.

This story is a follow-up to Two Skiers Rescued Past Closed JHMR Backcountry Gates

On Thursday, Feb. 28th, four skiers ignored warnings and closures in pursuit of fresh tracks in Granite Canyon. Two of the skiers successfully exited the backcountry, but the other two became lost and required rescue by GTNP rangers.  

While backcountry rescues are nothing new for emergency services in Teton County, this particular rescue has ruffled local feathers due to the numerous warnings and closures blatantly ignored by the group.  The overnight rescue put rangers at significant risk, forcing them to work in dangerous avalanche conditions.  Several feet of heavy snow had fallen on an already weak snowpack in the past 48 hours, making both natural and human-triggered slides very likely.

Related: Snowmobiler Dies in Large Togwotee Pass Avalanche

Consequently, the group may face both federal and state charges.  "We were sure hopeful that people would not violate these closures," said resort spokeswoman Anna Cole in an interview with the Jackson Hole News & Guide. “What happened to these people put them in inherent risk and also our rescuers. We would be taking this very seriously with or without gate closures. But they broke the rules two times over.” Cole said that the resort has already taken action against the group, but was not yet able to provide further detail.  

Teton County Sheriff Matt Carr also weighed in:

“Given the information that we know, we do believe a violation of state statute did occur, and we’re working with our federal partners to figure out what the best action is for charging these offenses,” Carr said in an interview with the News & Guide.

This story is developing, with more details on potential repercussions still to come.