Rescue operations are hampered by weather and hazardous conditions after a catastrophic avalanche on Togwotee Pass kills one skier and injures another.#Accident #Wyoming #JacksonWY #News
JACKSON, WYA On Saturday, a fatal avalanche in Wyoming’s backcountry sadly killed one skier and injured another. When the avalanche hit, the four-person group was traversing a secluded area of Togwotee Pass, east of Grand Teton National Park. The mountain will soon turn into a battlefield for searchers battling against the clock as the snow surged over them.
Avalanche Strikes as Skiers Ascend Togwotee Pass
The avalanche was caused by a group of skiers who were climbing the skin track in the Breccia Cliffs region. It was a dangerous section of the mountain, and the snow fell way under them as they ascended.
The situation was severe from the beginning, but Teton County Search and Rescue (TCSAR) responded to the distress call right away.
Difficult Rescue Effort Amid Challenging Conditions
Although rescue crews moved in swiftly, bad weather hindered their efforts. TCSAR sent out people on helicopters, on skis, and on snowmobiles.
Unfortunately, the snowmobiles were unable to navigate the difficult terrain, and the weather prompted the chopper to turn back. Around 3:47 p.m., rescuers on skis were the first to arrive at the victims after overcoming these challenges.
One skier was partially imprisoned and suffered a lower leg injury, while another had been fully buried. Rescuers moved quickly to rescue the deceased skier’s corpse and administer first assistance to the injured skier.
Honoring the Victims and Their Loved Ones
Kenneth Goff, a 36-year-old skier from Lander, Wyoming, was identified as the person killed in the avalanche.
We offer Kenneth’s family and friends our sincerest condolences during this time of great sorrow.
The verses of Psalm 34:18, which states that the Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit, provide consolation in trying times. As the community rallies to support those impacted, may these words bring comfort.
The Role of Technology in Emergency Response
The rescue was started by an emergency call made using the iPhone’s text-to-911 feature, which is a relatively new service. TCSAR pointed out that the notice was vague about whether the incident involved skiers or snowmobilers.
Rescuers asked text-to-911 users to provide important information, like the type of emergency, the mechanism of injury, and the number of party members, in order to increase the effectiveness of subsequent responses.
In the event of an accident, this is a crucial consideration for your backcountry preparedness, according to TCSAR.
It is evident that timely and correct communication can make all the difference during times of crisis.
Associated Topics: Mishaps | Wyoming
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