A backcountry skier was killed by an avalanche today in the Jackson Hole backcountry.
The skiers, identified as Alexander James Marra, 30, of Orem, Utah, was on Ralph’s Slide in the Rock Springs backcountry area just south of the boundary of the Jackson Hole ski resort when the avalanche was triggered. Ski patrol arrived on the scene and confirmed the avalanche death at 11:27am today.
Avalanche danger was rated at considerable today.
Jackson Hole Press Release:
Skier Fatally Injured in Backcountry adjacent to Jackson Hole Mountain Resort
(Teton Village, WY. February 17, 2018) It is with regret that Jackson Hole Mountain Resort (JHMR) reports one skier was fatally injured in the Rock Spring Backcountry located south of JHMR.
At approximately 11:18 am JHMR Ski Patrol received a call reporting an accident as result of an avalanche in the backcountry south of Jackson Hole Mountain Resort in an unspecific location.Ski Patrol immediately sent responders to locate the scene.
At approximately 11:27 am the Jackson Hole Ski Patrol arrived on the scene and confirmed the location at Ralph’s Slide, in Rock Springs in between areas known as Zero G and M & M. At the time of the slide, avalanche conditions were considerable. The avalanche was skier triggered and reported to be a minimum of two feet deep at the crown. One skier was partially buried with obvious signs of trauma and pronounced dead on the scene.
“We are saddened to report this fatality, and the staff at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort join me in expressing our deepest sympathies to the family and friends of the victim,” commented Jerry Blann, President of JHMR. With more snow on the way, this incident reminds skiers and riders to be prepared, and understand the hazards and risks that exist in the backcountry.