UPDATE: SAR Finds Body Of Teton Pass Avalanche Victim

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A large avalanche on Taylor Mountain just west of Teton Pass prompted a search and rescue effort on Wednesday, April 1. Teams from Teton County Search and Rescue and Wyoming Department of Transportation searched the avalanche path and debris pile on the south face of the 10,352-foot mountain. By nightfall, the search was called off as the teams could not locate a snowboarder last seen descending the mountain by his partner after the avalanche was triggered. The teams used avalanche beacons, a probe line of seven people, and a drone. Inclement weather prevented the use of a helicopter. Given the ongoing status of the search, TCSAR is asking everyone to stay off of Taylor Mountain on Thursday, April 2. Coal Creek parking lot will be closed. Even though other areas of Teton Pass will be open, backcountry users are being asked to avoid Teton Pass altogether, as the search will entail a massive effort. The public is reminded to use extra caution in the backcountry during the ongoing health crisis. @tetoncountysar #tcsar #taylormountain #jacksonhole #tetonpass

A post shared by TCSAR Foundation (@tetoncountysar) on Apr 1, 2020 at 8:45pm PDT

UPDATE: Teton County Search and Rescue has recovered the body of a man buried in the Taylor Mountain avalanche that occurred Wednesday afternoon. A helicopter was used to bomb the avalanche path and allowed rescuers to bring a dog team, which ultimately found the victim buried under two feet of snow.

Our thoughts are with the victim's family and friends during this incredibly difficult time. 

A rescue on Teton Pass's Taylor Mountain is currently still ongoing by Teton Search and Rescue after a slide was reported yesterday afternoon. TCSAR received a distress call at 3:20 p.m. on Wednesday, after two snowboarders triggered an avalanche on the south side of the mountain at about 2:45 p.m. A partner beacon search was unsuccessful, and TCSAR responded in full force to try and locate the presumably buried victim.

The search was called off at dark, and rescuers are resuming operations this morning. Helicopters could not be deployed due to bad weather, forcing rescuers to search on foot. TCSAR hopes to get a helicopter to assist if weather permits today.

The Coal Creek parking lot below Taylor Mountain remains closed, and TCSAR calls for backcountry users to avoid Teton Pass altogether. 

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stash member Max Ritter

I manage digital content here at TGR, run our gear testing program, and am stoked to be living the dream in the Tetons.