A weekend avalanche near Togwotee Pass in western Wyoming tragically resulted in the death of one skier and injured another. The incident occurred on Saturday afternoon in the Breccia Cliffs area, approximately 20 miles east of Grand Teton National Park.
The two skiers were part of a four-person group ascending a backcountry mountain when they triggered the avalanche. One skier was fully buried, while the other sustained leg injuries and was partially buried.
The image above depicts the avalanche site in western Wyoming on Togwotee Pass where Kenneth Goff lost his life and another skier was injured on January 4, 2025. (Credit: Teton County Search and Rescue)
An emergency alert was issued around noon, but challenging weather conditions, including heavy snow, significantly hampered rescue efforts. A helicopter response was aborted due to unsafe flying conditions, and a snowmobile team also faced insurmountable obstacles. A team equipped with ski skins finally reached the skiers nearly four hours later, at approximately 3:47 p.m. They provided medical assistance to the injured skier and transported them to a waiting ambulance.
The challenging weather conditions faced by Teton County Search and Rescue teams are illustrated in this image. (Credit: Teton County Search and Rescue)
The deceased skier, identified as 36-year-old Kenneth Goff from Lander, Wyoming, was also recovered. Goff, an experienced outdoorsman, worked as a nurse and contributed to the Lander City Search and Rescue team. His extensive resume showcased his passion for the outdoors, including a long history as a rock climbing instructor and teaching climbing and mountaineering courses at the National Outdoor Leadership School.
Kenneth Goff, 36, was an experienced climber and outdoorsman. (Credit: Kenneth Goff / Portfolium webpage)
This tragic event marks the fifth avalanche fatality in the United States this winter. Teton County Search and Rescue underscored the importance of backcountry planning and the potential for extended rescue times when helicopters are grounded, offering condolences to Goff’s family and friends.
