Avalanche in Teton & Gros Ventre Mountains, Wyoming

A member of the Jackson Hole Ski Area ski patrol was critically injured in a human triggered avalanche in the resort's Cheyenne Bowl. The victim succumbed to his injuries on Saturday, January 9, after spending several days in an area hospital. The patroller was conducting routine avalanche hazard reduction duties when he was caught in the slide. He had previously thrown one hand charge onto the slope before throwing two additional charges which fractured the slope above him. The man traveled an estimated 1,000 feet and over a 25-foot cliff while trapped in the avalanche. He was found unconscious under about six feet of snow. Another patroller was caught in the slide but clung to a tree to save himself.