You are here

UPDATE: Avalanche Kills Two Backcountry Skiers in Grand Teton National Park

Share

Published Date

March 8, 2012

Rangers on Thursday recovered the bodies of two men who were killed by an avalanche during a backcountry skiing trip in Grand Teton National Park.

The victims were identified as Chris Onufer and Steve Romeo, both of Jackson, Wyoming, park officials said. Both were experienced backcountry skiers, they added.

Rangers believe the two were buried by a large avalanche sometime Wednesday. The avalanche initiated near the summit of the 11,355-foot Ranger Peak in the northern end of the Teton Range; it ran to the base of the peak, depositing a large debris field in Waterfalls Canyon.

The skiers were reported overdue to park officials Wednesday evening. Upon receiving word, park rangers made a sweep of trailhead parking lots at 11:15 p.m. Wednesday and found a vehicle associated with the overdue party at Colter Bay, 10 miles north of Moran Junction.

During an aerial reconnaissance flight Thursday morning rangers picked up two positive beacon hits at 8:48 a.m. from the debris field.  Seven rangers were flown to the area to begin a physical search of the debris field using probe poles. Rangers reached the first body around 11:45 a.m. and second around noon.

The avalanche danger in the Tetons was listed as moderate on Wednesday afternoon, and low on Thursday morning, according to the Bridger-Teton National Forest. 

Add comment

CAPTCHA

This question is for testing whether or not you are a human visitor and to prevent automated spam submissions.

Image CAPTCHA
Enter the characters shown in the image.

Your support helps the National Parks Traveler increase awareness of the wonders and issues confronting national parks and protected areas.

Support Our Mission

INN Member

The easiest way to explore RV-friendly National Park campgrounds.

The Essential RVing Guide to the National Parks

Here’s the definitive guide to National Park System campgrounds where RVers can park their rigs.

Our app is packed with RVing- specific details on more than 250 campgrounds in more than 70 national parks.

You’ll also find stories about RVing in the parks, tips helpful if you’ve just recently become an RVer, and useful planning suggestions.

The Essential RVing Guide to the National Parks

FREE for iPhones and Android phones.