Rangers Rescue Injured Climber from Death Canyon

August 21, 2011
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In another operation pushing darkness—the second in as many nights—Grand Teton National Park rangers rescued a 25-year-old female who fell about 25 feet while climbing a popular route in Death Canyon called The Snaz. On Saturday, August 20, Lauren McLean from Lake Oswego, Oregon sustained significant injuries when she fell, because her belay system failed, and landed feet first on a ledge at the base of the last pitch.

A member of McLean’s climbing party notified Teton Interagency Dispatch Center of the incident at 4:50 p.m. via cell phone. Park rescue personnel immediately summoned a Teton Interagency contract helicopter to perform a reconnaissance flight to assess the situation. Due to McLean’s location, rangers devised two separate plans for McLean’s rescue; one option included spending the night with her on the cliff and the other option involved an evacuation before dark.

Two rangers were inserted via short-haul just above McLean’s location a little before 8 p.m. One ranger rappelled down to McLean and determined that it would be possible to fly her off the ledge that night. The ranger then stabilized McLean’s injuries and provided emergency medical care before preparing her for a short-haul flight in an aerial evacuation suit. McLean was flown from The Snaz to the historic White Grass Dude Ranch that sits just east of Death Canyon. A park ambulance met the helicopter in a meadow near the ranch buildings and transported McLean to St. John’s Medical Center in Jackson for further treatment. McLean was subsequently flown to the University of Utah Medical Center in Salt Lake City, Utah for additional medical care.

McLean’s two climbing partners decided to hike out of Death Canyon on Saturday night. One ranger spent the night on a ledge of the cliff face in order to assist in flying off rescue equipment and other gear early Sunday morning.

The Snaz is one of the most popular climbs in Death Canyon, and is usually completed in nine pitches. It is rated a 5.9 on the Yosemite Decimal System, a set of numeric ratings describing the difficulty of climbs.

Climber Rescued from N. Ridge of Grand Teton

 Rangers used short-haul to rescue stranded climber from
Grand Stand area on the 13,770 foot Grand Teton.

Fading daylight & North Face of Grand Teton from
Teton Interagency helicopter cockpit. 

August 20, 2011

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Just before dark on Friday August 19, Grand Teton National Park rangers rescued a 28-year-old climber after he became stranded near the top of the Grand Stand below the North Face of the Grand Teton. Jesse Selwyn of Florence, Montana and his climbing partner intended to climb the Black Ice Couloir on the northwest side of the Grand. Selwyn and his companion could not find the entrance to the Black Ice Couloir and got off route. They ended up on the Grand Stand instead.

At 4:55 p.m., the Teton Interagency Dispatch Center received notification from the Teton County Sheriff’s office that an individual had activated a SPOT rescue locator somewhere on the Grand Teton. Rangers requested a Teton Interagency helicopter to conduct a reconnaissance flight to assess the situation. A ranger inside the helicopter used a white board with the words “OK?” written on it to ask the climbers if they were alright. The climbers gave a thumbs down sign, so rangers responded by writing the words “rescue?” and the climbers gave a thumbs up, indicating they were in trouble and needed help.

Based on the climbers’ location, rangers flew inside the helicopter to a landing zone on the west side of Teewinot Mountain. From there, one ranger was inserted via short-haul to Selwyn’s location just after 8 p.m. Once on scene, the ranger prepared Selwyn for a short-haul evacuation off the mountain to Lupine Meadows rescue cache on the valley floor. Selwyn was uninjured and released soon after landing. Short-haul is a rescue technique where an individual is suspended below the helicopter on a 100 to 200 foot rope. This method allows a rescuer more direct and expedient access to an injured or stranded party; it is often used in the Tetons where conditions make it difficult to land a helicopter in high-elevation, steep and rocky terrain. Patients are typically flown out via short-haul below the ship with a ranger attending to them, as was the case for this rescue.

After rescuing Selwyn, the helicopter made one last flight to retrieve the other rangers from the landing zone on Teewinot. The ship landed back at Lupine Meadows at 8:47 p.m., just two minutes before it was required to stop flying due to darkness. This time is called the “pumpkin hour,” and is 30 minutes after official sunset.

By the time rangers reached Selwyn, his climbing partner had begun to backtrack the route in hopes of reaching the lower saddle before it got too dark to continue. After realizing it was too dark to safely backtrack across the Valhalla Traverse, Selwyn’s partner decided to spend the night on the mountain and begin his retreat again at first light on Saturday. The climbing partner reached the Lower Saddle of the Grand Teton just before 8:30 a.m. on August 20.

This is the second time in a week that a stranded party has initiated a SPOT locater device in the area. The first came from a pilot who crashed his ultralight aircraft near Fox Creek Pass just outside of Grand Teton National Park in the Caribou-Targhee National Forest. While these rescue devices can be valuable tools when used appropriately, rangers remind backcountry users that technical high-mountain rescue carries certain inherent risks for the rescuers and these devices should only be used in a true emergency.

Rangers remind backcountry users that they should be in good physical condition and stick to hikes and routes that are within their ability and comfort levels. Appropriate equipment and the knowledge of how to use it are essential for a safe trip. Hikers and climbers are encouraged to stop in a visitor center or ranger station on the day of travel to obtain the most current trail, route and snow conditions.

Rangers Rescue Ultralight Pilot after Crash Landing near Fox Creek Pass

August 18, 2011

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Grand Teton National Park rangers rescued the pilot of an ultralight aircraft Tuesday night, August 16, after he crashed his single seat aircraft between Spearhead Peak and Fox Creek Pass in the southern portion of the Teton Range. James Mauch, 57, of Louisville, Kentucky received only minor injuries during his crash landing.

After the accident, Mauch activated a locator beacon that sent an emergency signal to the Teton County Idaho sheriff’s office. The Idaho office routed a 911 call to Teton County Wyoming who then transferred the call to the Teton Interagency Dispatch Center in Moose, Wyoming at 7 p.m.

Mauch began his flight from the Driggs, Idaho airport and crashed just on the boundary between Grand Teton National Park and Caribou-Targhee National Forest. Due to the accident location—involving multiple federal, county and state jurisdictions—Teton County Search and Rescue staff requested an agency assist from the park and coordinated with the park’s emergency responders to initiate the rescue. Because of the late hour, combined with the availability of a Teton Interagency contract helicopter and park rescue staff, Grand Teton National Park rangers took the lead on organizing and conducting the rescue operation from the Lupine Meadows rescue cache. In addition, a unified command center was established at the Teton Interagency Helibase located at the Jackson Hole Airport.

Two rangers flew aboard the Teton Interagency ship and quickly spotted Mauch at 8:23 p.m. in an open area near Fox Creek Pass, just north of Spearhead Peak. Because the terrain was broad and open, the helicopter was able to set down near Mauch, and rangers placed him on board the ship at 8:37 p.m. for a flight to the Teton Interagency Helibase. A waiting park ambulance then transported Mauch to St. John’s Medical Center for treatment.

Rangers were able to mobilize, perform and complete the rescue operation by 8:45 p.m., just before the official time when air operations must cease due to darkness; this is often called the “pumpkin hour.”

Rangers Rescue Injured Climber from Nez Perce

Rangers & Teton Interagency Helitak staff conduct a technical
lowering operation to rescue injured climber near Nez Perce Peak.

August 11, 2011
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Grand Teton National Park rangers performed a 1,200-foot technical lowering operation on the north side of Nez Perce Peak to rescue a 21-year-old climber who fell about 100 feet and suffered injuries that made it impossible for her to hike further. Laura Mason of Royal Oak, Michigan was glissading a snowfield to the west of the Hourglass Couloirs when she was unable to control her speed and ran into the rocks at the base of the snowfield.

Rangers, who were assisting another hiker with minor injuries, received notice of Mason’s accident at 11 a.m. Once they reunited the hiker with his party, they hastily made their way to Mason’s location on Nez Perce Peak and arrived on scene at 11:30 a.m. After reaching Mason, rangers determined that high winds were not favorable for a helicopter short-haul operation. Two other rangers on routine backcountry patrols (one on Disappointment Peak and another between the South and Middle Tetons) were summoned to assist with a ground-based rescue. An additional ranger and three Teton Interagency helitack personnel were flown up from the valley by the Teton Interagency contract helicopter into Garnet Canyon to also assist in the technical lowering operation.

Mason was placed in a rescue litter, and rangers rigged ropes to carefully lower her down the snowfield to the Garnet Canyon Meadows landing zone. Rangers lowered Mason 300 feet at a time in four separate sets. The last set placed her at a location near the landing zone at the Cave Couloir in the upper meadows of Garnet Canyon. From there, Mason was placed inside the helicopter for a short flight to the Lupine Meadows rescue cache where she was met by a park ambulance and transported to St. John’s Medical Center in Jackson for further treatment.

Mason and her four climbing partners intended to summit the Middle Teton. Two of her partners turned around earlier in the day, while the rest of the group continued up but strayed off route. After realizing they were in the wrong location, Mason and her climbing partners started descending in an attempt to find the correct route. Although Mason was carrying an ice axe, rangers do not believe she was wearing a helmet or carrying crampons on her mountain trek.

This marks the third rescue this year involving a climber or hiker who received significant injuries while glissading down a snowfield. Rangers remind backcountry users that most accidents occur on snow or ice when people slip and fall, often into rocky terrain. Most backcountry accidents occur on the descent at the end of the day when people are tired and perhaps less attentive.

Rangers Rescue Injured Climber from the Middle Teton

The Middle Teton, elevation 12,804 feet

August 9, 2011

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A climber, attempting to scale the Middle Teton, required rescue by Grand Teton National Park rangers on Tuesday, August 9, after sustaining injuries from a fall. Steven Zaleski, 43, of Madison, Wisconsin and two companions were on the approach to the Buckingham Ridge, the southeast ridge of the Middle Teton, when Zaleski pulled off a loose block of rock and fell about 15 feet.

Teton Interagency Dispatch Center received an emergency phone call from a member of Zaleski’s climbing party at 9:08 a.m. A Teton Interagency contract helicopter flew rangers to a backcountry landing zone in the South Fork of Garnet Canyon, and the rangers then hiked to Zaleski’s location, arriving on scene at 11:10 a.m. Rangers determined that Zaleski would not be able to hike out of the canyon on his own due to the nature of his injuries, and they prepared him for a helicopter evacuation.

Rangers placed Zaleski in an aerial evacuation suite and flew him via short-haul to the South Fork landing zone. From there, Zaleski was loaded inside the ship for a short flight to Lupine Meadows rescue cache. An ambulance from Jackson Hole Fire and EMS transported Zaleski at 12:30 p.m. from the rescue cache to St. John’s Medical Center in Jackson for further treatment.

Due to the technical nature of the terrain, combined with significant rockfall in the area, rangers determined it would be safer to also fly Zaleski’s climbing partner off the ridge. The climber was also placed in an aerial evacuation suit and evacuated to the landing zone where he could then hike out of Garnet Canyon on his own.

Zaleski and his climbing companions were unroped on the approach and scrambling on fourth-class rock. Each of the climbers had appropriate climbing gear; they were all wearing helmets and carrying ice axes and crampons at the time of the accident. Zaleski, and his climbing partner who placed the emergency call, both have extensive climbing experience, including experience in the Teton Range.

Rangers Perform Rescues in Garnet Canyon

August 8, 2011

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Grand Teton National Park Rangers with the help of a Teton Interagency contract helicopter performed multiple rescues in Garnet Canyon on Saturday August 6. The first incident was reported to the Jenny Lake Ranger Station at 11 a.m. Saturday. While on scene with the first incident, rangers were notified of another individual just above the Petzolt Caves in Garnet Canyon who also needed assistance.

Robert Martin, 70, from Birmingham, Alabama was hiking down a snowfield near Spaulding Falls in Garnet Canyon when he slipped, fell and tumbled into piles of rocks. Two hikers, in the area at the time, helped Martin descend to the Meadows area of Garnet Canyon where rangers eventually met the party. One hiker descended the canyon to get cell phone service and placed an emergency call directly to the ranger station.

Martin was part of a private party that intended to summit the Grand on Saturday. After spending Friday night at the Lower Saddle, Martin and his son decided not to attempt the climb but hike out instead. An emergency medical technician (EMT) and emergency room (ER) nurse, who were in the area, encountered Martin and provided initial medical care until rangers arrived on scene at
11:45 a.m.

Rangers determined Martin’s injuries to be severe enough that he would not be able to safely hike out of the canyon; therefore, they requested that the Teton Interagency contract helicopter fly him from a landing zone in the Meadows to the rescue cache at Lupine Meadows where he was met by a park ambulance and transported to St. John’s Medical Center in Jackson for further treatment. Martin did not have a helmet, ice axe, or crampons on his mountain trek.

While on scene with Martin, rangers were notified just before 1 p.m. of another individual who needed medical assistance. Heather Hanamaikai, 34, of Rexburg, Idaho had intended to summit the Grand with her party on Saturday, but started feeling ill and began a retreat from the base of the headwall of the Lower Saddle. Hanamaikai was descending on her own when the ER nurse that had assisted Martin encountered her and directed Hanamaikai to stop and wait for help.

Given the nature of Hanamaikai’s illness, rangers decided to stabilize her and assist her in hiking down to the Meadows in Garnet Canyon where she was also met by the Interagency helicopter and flown inside the ship to Lupine Meadows.

Rangers remind visitors that snow still persists above 9,500 feet. Backcountry users should be in good physical condition and stick to hikes and routes that are within their ability and comfort levels. Appropriate equipment and the knowledge of how to use it are essential for a safe trip. Hikers, climbers, and skiers should also note that most accidents involve slips on snow or ice and most often occur on the descent at the end of the day.

Rangers Recover Body of Fallen Climber near the Grand Teton

Valhalla Canyon lies on the northwest flank

of the 13,770-foot Grand Teton

August 2, 2011
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With the assistance of a Teton Interagency contract helicopter, Grand Teton National Park rangers located the body of climber who fell approximately 2,500 feet to his death on the northwest side of the Grand Teton sometime on Sunday, July 31. After searching by foot for nearly seven hours on Monday, August 1, rangers eventually spotted the deceased climber from the air. Don Ivie, age 44, of Springfield, Missouri had undertaken a solo, one-day climb of the Grand Teton, but failed to return at an appointed time late Sunday evening and was reported overdue at 8:45 p.m.

Ivie began his solo climb of the Grand Teton at 1:45 a.m. Sunday morning. When he failed to meet his wife at day’s end, she notified Teton Interagency Dispatch Center that he was overdue. Because of the late hour and approaching darkness, rangers made arrangements to begin a search at daylight on Monday morning.

Inclement weather prevented use of the Teton Interagency contract helicopter and delayed the response by rangers stationed at a high elevation hut sited on the Lower Saddle of Grand Teton. Park rangers—along with guides from Exum School of Mountaineering—initiated a search by foot at 8 a.m. Dense clouds and heavy rain made it difficult to locate the missing man during the morning ground search; however, rangers did locate a small backpack near Grand Teton’s Upper Saddle that they assumed belonged to the missing climber. When weather conditions improved in the afternoon, rangers launched the contract helicopter to conduct an aerial search. They ultimately located Ivie’s body at 1:45 p.m. in Valhalla Canyon, which lies on the northwest flank of the 13,770-foot Grand Teton.

Using a long-line attached to the helicopter, rangers flew Ivie’s body early Monday evening from Valhalla Canyon to the Lupine Meadows rescue cache where they were met by the Teton County coroner.

Park rangers are investigating the fatal accident; however, because Ivie was climbing alone, the circumstances surrounding his fall may never be known. Ivie’s experience was limited to scrambling peaks with little technical difficulty. He had not climbed in the Teton Range prior to this excursion.

Critically Injured Hiker Rescued from the Ellingwood Couloir on Middle Teton

Rescuers place injured hiker aboard Air Idaho ship

for a flight to Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center in Idaho Falls.

Teton Interagency contract helicopter lifts off enroute

to rescue Haymaker from Middle Teton.

July 29, 2011

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Grand Teton National Park rangers rescued a 20-year-old hiker, who took a tumbling 1,200-foot fall just after 10:30 a.m. on Friday,
July 29 and sustained critical injuries. Ryan Haymaker of Houston, Texas was glissading down the Ellingwood Couloir on the south side of the Middle Teton when he lost control and hit a rock causing him to flip over and continue head first down the couloir.

A bystander, who witnessed the fall and was nearby, called 911 to report the incident. The 911 call went to the sheriff’s office in Rexburg, Idaho, and they transferred the call to Teton Interagency Dispatch Center at 10:43 a.m. Three park rangers were flown by a Teton Interagency contract helicopter to a landing zone near Haymaker’s location at the bottom of the Ellingwood Couloir. A fourth ranger was flown to the scene shortly after the initial three, and the rangers provided emergency medical care before preparing Haymaker for a helicopter flight to the valley floor.

Haymaker was loaded into the ship and flown to the Lupine Meadows Rescue Cache, where he was met by a team of emergency medical providers led by Dr. Will Smith, one of the co-medical directors for Grand Teton National Park. Haymaker was stabilized at the rescue cache, and then flown directly on an Air Idaho life flight to the Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center (EIRMC) in Idaho Falls, Idaho at 1:40 p.m.

Haymaker and his companion had glissaded about one-third of the way down the couloir when the incident occurred. Haymaker was glissading behind his companion when he picked up speed and passed him; shortly after, he hit the first series of rocks. Haymaker did not have a helmet at the time of the incident. Although he was carrying an ice axe and wearing crampons, he was unable to right himself or self arrest.

While Haymaker is from Houston, he has been working seasonally in Jackson Hole.

Rangers remind visitors that snow persists above 9,000 feet. Backcountry users should be in good physical condition and stick to hikes and routes that are within their ability and comfort levels. Appropriate equipment, and the knowledge of how to use it, are essential for a safe trip. Hikers, climbers, and skiers should also note that most accidents involve slips on snow or ice and most often occur on the descent at the end of the day.

Backcountry users are advised to stop in or call a visitor center or ranger station on the day of travel to obtain the most current rail, route and snow conditions.

Seriously Injured Skier Rescued from the Ellingwood Couloir

July 3, 2011
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Grand Teton National Park rangers conducted a short-haul operation for a 33 year-old skier, who took a tumbling 800 foot fall just after 10 a.m. on Saturday, July, 2. Ryan Redmond of Delafield, Wisconsin was skiing down the Ellingwood Couloir (11,500 ft) on the south side of the Middle Teton when he lost control and slid down the gully. Rangers believe snow conditions were a contributing factor in this accident.

A member of Redmond’s party called the Teton Interagency Dispatch Center at 10:15 a.m. Two rangers who were approaching the summit of Nez Perce were diverted at 10:30 a.m. and headed down to Redmond’s location. They reached him at 12:30 p.m. and provided emergency medical care.

A Teton Interagency helicopter was summoned from Cody, Wyoming where it was doing work under its interagency contract. Another ranger was flown in the helicopter to a landing zone near the accident site and helped prepare Redmond for a short-haul evacuation in a litter to Lupine Meadows.

At the Lupine Meadow’s rescue cache, Redmond was met by a team of emergency medial providers led by Dr. Will Smith, one of the co-medical director’s for Grand Teton National Park. Redmond was stabilized at the rescue cache, and then flown directly to Eastern Idaho Regional Medial Center (EIRMC) at 2:45 p.m. on an Air Idaho life flight.

Redmond was telemark skiing in a group with three other skiers. Redmond and one of his companions stopped about two-thirds of the way up and two others continued to the top of the couloir. Redmond was the first to begin skiing and had just initiated his descent when he lost control and fell.

Redmond was wearing a climbing helmet and had an ice axe attached to his ski pole, but he was unable to self arrest on the firm snow. All members of his party used ice axes and crampons to climb up the Ellingwood Couloir. Redmond has ties to the valley.

Short-haul is a rescue technique where an individual is suspended below the helicopter on a 100 to 200 foot rope. This method allows a rescuer more direct access to an injured party, and it is often used in the Teton Range where conditions make it difficult to land a helicopter in the steep and rocky terrain. Patients are typically flown out via short-haul with a ranger attending to them below the helicopter, as was the case for this rescue.

Rangers remind backcountry users that dangerous and variable snow conditions persist above 8,500 feet. Users are advised to stop in or call a visitor center or ranger station on the day of travel to obtain the most current trail, route and snow conditions. Hikers, climbers, and skiers should also note that most accidents involve slips on snow, and most occur on the descent at the end of the day.

Rangers Rescue Climber from Guides' Wall

 Injured climber and attending ranger during
short-haul evacuation from Guides' Wall.

Guides' Wall: a popular Teton rock climbing route.

June 26, 2011

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Grand Teton National Park rangers short-hauled a 47-year-old injured climber off of Guides' Wall in Cascade Canyon on Saturday, June 25. Dagmar Rapp of Farmington, Connecticut was on a guided trip with Exum Mountain Guides when she fell about 15 feet on the Flake pitch, the fifth pitch of six on the route.

The Exum guide notified Teton Interagency Dispatch Center of the injured climber at 2:40 p.m. Battling gusty winds and maneuvering cautiously with minimal clearance from the rock face, a Teton Interagency contract helicopter inserted one ranger at Rapp’s location; the ranger then prepared Rapp for a short-haul extrication using an aerial evacuation suit, a soft harness-like body suit. Three other rangers, who were in the vicinity, hiked to the base of Guides' Wall and staged there, in case winds prevented a short-haul operation from being possible.

Rapp, with a ranger attending, reached the valley floor just after
5 p.m. A park ambulance then transported her to St. John’s Medical Center in Jackson for further treatment.

Jackson Resident Rescued From Teewinot

June 4, 2011

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Grand Teton National Park rangers enlisted the help of Teton County Search and Rescue (TCSAR) and their contract helicopter to rescue a backcountry hiker/skier who was seriously injured after taking a tumbling fall about 8:30 a.m. Saturday, June 4, while ascending Teewinot Mountain (elevation 12,325 feet) with two companions. Jesse Stover, age 39, of Jackson, Wyoming slipped and fell approximately 2,000 feet. Stover and his partners were well equipped with helmets, ice axes, and crampons, and were wearing avalanche beacons at the time of the accident. Stover also had a whippet (a ski pole with an ice axe style head): a commonly used tool when skiing on hard and steep snow.

Stover and his two companions left the valley at 4:00 a.m. Saturday morning with the intention of summiting Teewinot and skiing down its east face. About 500 feet below the summit, Stover slipped on the snow and took a tumbling fall.

Teton Interagency Dispatch Center received a 911 call at 8:32 a.m. Saturday morning from a skier who witnessed Stover’s fall. The witness, who is a wilderness emergency medical technician (W-EMT), skied down to where Stover came to rest and provided him with emergency medical care until help arrived. Two Grand Teton National Park rangers hiked up to Stover and reached the scene at 11:20 a.m.  Rangers then prepared a site for TCSAR to insert one of their members, Dr. AJ Wheeler, to the patient's location on the mountain.

TCSAR’s  rescue team reached Stover at 11:36 a.m. and prepared him for a short-haul evacuation to the valley floor at Lupine Meadows where a park ambulance then transported Stover to
St. John’s Medical Center in Jackson for further treatment.


While attending to Stover on Teewinot, TCSAR members and Grand Teton rangers avoided a small wet avalanche that came down the gully where Stover was located. The team was able to move Stover and themselves from harm’s way with the help of two avalanche spotters higher up on the peak.

The Bridger-Teton National Forest avalanche report rated the avalanche danger on Saturday as “moderate” to “considerable” as warmer afternoon temperatures create unstable snowpack. For up-to-date avalanche forecasts, visit http://www.jhavalanche.org , or call the avalanche center at 307.733.2664.

Backcountry users are advised to stop in or call a visitor center or ranger station the day of travel to obtain the most current trail, route, and snow conditions. Hikers should also note that many injuries are a result of a slip on snow or ice and often occur on the descent.

Missing Skiers Found after Six-Day Search

Searchers probed an avalanche field with 10-foot poles on Saturday.

Helicopter 7HL piloted by Nicole Ludwig staged
at the Highlands NPS housing area on Sunday.

April 24, 2011

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On the evening of Saturday, April 23, after a long day of searching an avalanche debris field in Garnet Canyon Meadows, a Grand Teton National Park ranger picked up two discernible beacon signals deep in the snowpack. Due to the late hour—coupled with the need to evacuate all search teams from the Teton canyon and cease helicopter operations before day’s end—a handful of rescuers were not able to dig deep enough to locate the source of the signals. Early Sunday morning, a core group of park rangers flew back into Garnet Canyon to resume digging. After two hours, they reached Walker Pannell Kuhl and Gregory Seftick, buried under 13 feet of snow near a large boulder in the avalanche path.

Over 35 rescue personnel and four canine teams methodically searched the large avalanche field in Garnet Canyon for more than ten hours on Saturday. With the help of good weather, rescuers hoped to find any clue as to the fate of Kuhl and Seftick. At 7 p.m. with just two teams left to airlift from the canyon, Ranger Nick Armitage made one final sweep with his avalanche transceiver over an area that had been probed by rescuers earlier in the day. After Armitage picked up first one beacon signal, and then another, five additional rescuers joined in digging through the dense snowpack to reach the source. Although five feet of snow was cleared away, rescuers were not able to reach the beacon before the last helicopter flight needed to be made. Upon removing the snow, however, rescuers also made a positive probe hit. It should be noted that avalanche probe poles are generally 10 feet long and the beacon was deeper than their initial reach.

On Sunday morning, helicopter pilot Nicole Ludwig—flying a Teton County Search and Rescue contract helicopter out of Hillsboro, Oregon—airlifted six park rangers back into the Garnet Canyon Meadows to resume digging toward the two beacons. Rangers continued to excavate through another ten feet of snow before they reached Walker and Greg. Rangers then prepared them for a helicopter flight to the valley floor where a Teton County coroner met the ship and took Greg's and Walker's bodies to a local mortuary.

It appears that Walker and Greg were buried by a large avalanche that shed off the north face of Nez Perce Peak sometime Saturday night, April 16, while they were in their tent, located near a large boulder between the Platforms and the Meadows of Garnet Canyon. Walker and Greg carried avalanche beacons and other appropriate gear with them on their trek into the Teton Range, and their beacons were transmitting when the avalanche enveloped their campsite. 

The concentrated search for Kuhl and Seftick lasted six days, due in part to stormy weather, new snowfall and ongoing concerns about avalanche danger for rescue teams. Search operations involved park rangers and staff, as well as numerous Jackson Hole community rescue personnel. Grand Teton National Park appreciates the cooperation and dedication of the organizations and companies who assisted during the past several days. Those groups include trained rescue personnel, volunteers and support staff from Teton County Search and Rescue, Teton Interagency Fire personnel, Bridger-Teton National Forest and Bridger-Teton National Forest Avalanche Center staff, a Yellowstone National Park employee, Jackson Hole Mountain Resort ski patrol, Wyoming K9 Search and Rescue teams, and Grand Targhee Resort ski patrol and canine teams, as well as experienced professional mountaineers from Jackson Hole Mountain Guides and Exum Mountain Guides.

The Seftick and Kuhl families extend their heartfelt thanks to all rescuers for their work in helping to locate their sons and brothers.

Search for Missing Skiers Enters Sixth Day

Pilot Nicole Ludwig ferries search teams from helispot to Garnet Cyn.

Jason O'Neill loads his search dog Murphy onto the helicopter.

Garnet Canyon lies between the Middle Teton (L) & Grand Teton (R)

April 23, 2011
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The search for Walker Pannell Kuhl, age 27, of Salt Lake City, Utah and Gregory Seftick, age 31, of Columbia Falls, Montana resumed today, Saturday, April 23 in Grand Teton National Park. Kuhl and Seftick began an overnight camping and skiing trip one week ago, and were reported missing on Monday, April 18, when Kuhl failed to show up for work. This marks the sixth day for a concentrated search to locate the missing skiers.

A high pressure system brought sunny skies and calm winds this morning, creating perfect weather conditions to continue search operations. Four K9 search and rescue teams from nearby Grand Targhee Resort in Alta, Wyoming, and more than 35 search and rescue personnel were airlifted from a helispot on the Teton Park Road (elevation 6,685 feet) into a high elevation helispot in Garnet Canyon (9,500 feet) near the base of Nez Perce Peak to begin another full day of combing through a large avalanche debris field. A broad snowfield on the north face of Nez Perce gave way sometime after Friday, April 15, and the resulting avalanche path covers Garnet Canyon Meadows where it is presumed that the two men may be found. The avalanche debris field is approximately 200 feet wide, 200-300 yards long and 15 feet deep.

Grand Teton National Park rangers again enlisted the assistance of trained rescue personnel and support staff from Teton County Search and Rescue, Teton Interagency Fire, Bridger-Teton National Forest, Yellowstone National Park, Jackson Hole Mountain Resort ski patrol, Wyoming K9 Search and Rescue, and Grand Targhee Resort ski patrol and K9 teams, as well as experienced professional mountaineers from Jackson Hole Mountain Guides and Exum Mountain Guides (two park concession companies) to provide the best possible and most complete exploration of the snow-covered area where Kuhl and Seftick may be located.

Local weather forecaster Jim Woodmency, who joined the search effort today, reminded the search teams that over three feet of new snow has fallen on the Teton Range over the past week. Bridger-Teton National Forest Avalanche Center has recorded 661 inches of snowfall at the Raymer snow plot (elevation 9,300 feet) so far this winter. The Tetons receive an average of 400 inches of snowfall per year.

Further information about today’s search effort will be available after individual teams return to the incident command center near park headquarters at day’s end.  

Search for Walker Pannell Kuhl & Greg Seftick to Resume Saturday

North face of Nez Perce Peak where an avalanche began
from a large snowfield just below the summit.
The avalanche debris settled in Garnet Canyon Meadows

April 22, 2011
11-21

Grand Teton National Park rangers plan to resume the search for Walker Pannell Kuhl and Greg Seftick on Saturday, April 23. A forecast for better weather conditions this weekend prompted rangers to prepare for another sizeable search period. Several rescuers and search dog teams will be airlifted to a helispot in the Platforms area of Garnet Canyon. Search teams will focus their attention on a large avalanche debris field that lies in Garnet Canyon Meadows.

Adverse weather completely grounded search operations all day Thursday. As clouds clear today, April 22, rangers will conduct a helicopter overflight of the area to determine whether avalanche control work needs to be done in preparation for inserting rescue teams tomorrow.

Grand Teton rangers intend to continue searching for the missing skiers—as weather and snowpack conditions allow.

Garnet Canyon is a popular backcountry area for skiing and mountaineering; therefore, rangers request that anyone traveling into Garnet Canyon over the next days or weeks to be on the lookout for items such as skis, poles, backpacks and other gear. If such items are found, please leave them in place and contact rangers as soon as possible with a good description or GPS plot of their exact location. This information will help direct further progress in the ongoing search.

If any items are found, please call Teton Interagency Dispatch Center at 307.739.3300.

Search Operations for Missing Skiers Suspended Due to Inclement Weather

Rescuers & K9 search teams will resume
exploring a large avalanche debris field, as weather permits.  

April 21, 2011
11-20

Grand Teton National Park rangers were forced to suspend the search for missing skiers Walker Pannell Kuhl, age 27, of Salt Lake City, Utah, and Gregory Seftick, age 31 of Columbia Falls, Montana today, April 21, due to adverse weather conditions. The Teton Range and Jackson Hole experienced continual winter-like storms with heavy snow and gusty winds throughout the day. These conditions made it impossible to insert rescue teams and K9 search teams into the Teton backcountry.

The decision to “stand down” rescue teams came fairly early in the day as weather conditions worsened. Similar weather is forecasted for Friday, April 22, so rescue teams will be on standby.  Saturday’s weather holds more promise and will likely allow for rescuers to resume searching the most probable location where Kuhl and Seftick may be found. That location is a large avalanche debris field in the Garnet Canyon Meadows.

Further information about the ongoing search will be made available as weather allows renewed operations.

Missing Skiers Not Found Despite Extensive Search on Wednesday

Two search dog teams arrived by helicopter on Wednesday.

Four dog teams will be used to search avalanche debris fields today.

Rangers aboard Teton County SAR helicopter
do aerial search of high terrain.

Search teams use probes to examine

large avalanche debris field in Garnet Canyon.

April 21, 2011
11-19

Rescue teams on the ground and in the air, along with two search dog teams with Wyoming K9 Search and Rescue, conducted a thorough and extensive search of multiple locations in Garnet Canyon on Wednesday, April 20; still no clues were discovered that might lead to the whereabouts of Walker Pannell Kuhl and Gregory Seftick—missing for four days after they entered Garnet Canyon on Saturday, April 16, for on an overnight camping and ski trip.

Because of clear skies and stable weather conditions on Wednesday, multiple rescue teams made significant progress in searching areas that were inaccessible on Tuesday due to low visibility, erratic winds and high avalanche probability. Three rangers aboard the Teton County Search and Rescue helicopter were able to thoroughly conduct an aerial search of high terrain areas and typical climbing routes on the Grand Teton, Middle Teton, South Teton and other secondary peaks adjacent to Garnet Canyon. In an effort to eliminate all possible outlier locations where Kuhl and Seftick might have traveled, the aerial search also covered the Shadow Peak area to the south of Garnet Canyon, Black Dike Couloir and Cascade Canyon to the north of Garnet Canyon. 

Three teams of four people each searched high elevations in the south and north forks of Garnet Canyon after being shuttled by helicopter to a helispot in the Meadows area of the canyon. One team combed over Jackson Hole Mountain Guides’ high camp area and the toe of Teepe Glacier where an avalanche had occurred days before. A second team explored the Middle Teton glacier area, the North Fork moraine and the North Fork headwall above the Meadows. A third team searched the South Fork of Garnet Canyon to the saddle between the South Teton and Middle Teton. These areas contain substantial snow drifts, large boulders, and other features where someone might take cover from the elements. No evidence of the missing skiers was found during these widespread searches.

Joined by two search dog teams, other rescue teams methodically searched a massive debris field on the lower Meadows area of Garnet Canyon, Rescuers used avalanche transceivers, probe poles and a device called “recco” that works similar to sonar and can pick up a dense object that is not otherwise visible. Some mountaineers wear clothing embedded with “recco” chips that can help in directing a visual signal from a hand-held device much like the audio sounds received from an avalanche beacon.

Today, April 21, rescuers will focus their efforts on the large avalanche debris that sits in the lower Meadows. This debris field is approximately 250 feet wide, 200-300 yards long and over 15 feet deep. It apparently shed off of the north face of Nez Perce Peak on the south flank of Garnet Canyon.

Four fresh K9 search teams will join two six-person rescue teams today to carefully comb over, and through, the jumble of avalanche debris in the Meadows area.

The weather forecast calls for increased winds and 70 percent chance of snow showers with two to four inches accumulation possible. Inclement weather conditions may hamper or delay search operations on Thursday and Friday.

Search Continues for Missing Skiers in Garnet Canyon

Teton Co. Search & Rescue helicopter delivers
search dog teams to Garnet Canyon during snow squall.

Search teams fan out over the lower Meadows in Garnet Canyon

in low visibility conditions on Tuesday, April 19.

April 20, 2011
11-18

Several rescue teams were flown by helicopter into the Meadows area of Garnet Canyon early this morning, April 20, to resume a methodical search for Walker Kuhl, age 27, of Salt Lake City, Utah, and Gregory Seftick, age 31 of Columbia Falls, Montana. The two men skied into Garnet Canyon at Grand Teton National Park on Saturday, April 16, with plans to camp overnight and explore areas around the Grand Teton. They were reported overdue for work at 11:15 a.m. on Monday, April 18.

Today, three rescue teams of four people each, as well as two dog teams continue to explore the lower Meadows—an area that is one of several possible locations where the missing men may be found. Rescuers are also probing areas higher in elevation in the south and north forks of Garnet Canyon. Search teams were not able to check the steeper terrain in those areas yesterday because of unstable snow conditions.

Improved weather conditions today have provided better visibility and allowed for additional helicopter flights. Rescue teams will continue to both expand their search areas and focus on likely locations that might provide clues as to the whereabouts of the missing skiers.

At this time, similar rescue operations are planned for tomorrow, weather permitting. While weather conditions today are nearly ideal for the search operation, the forecast is calling for increasing clouds and snow by tomorrow.

Overdue Skiers Prompt Large-Scale Search

April 19, 2011
11-17 

Grand Teton National Park rangers organized a full-scale search for two overdue backcountry skiers on Tuesday morning, April 19, after an initial search late Monday proved unsuccessful. Approximately 40 rescuers and support staff assembled at first light on Tuesday to begin an extensive search of the Meadows area and other locations within Garnet Canyon near the Grand Teton and other high peaks. Walker Kuhl, age 27, from Salt Lake City, Utah and Gregory Seftick, age 31, of  Columbia Falls, Montana set out to camp overnight in the Teton Range on Saturday, April 16. According to their backcountry permit, they intended to explore Teepe Pillar and Teepe Glacier—features near the Grand Teton. When Kuhl failed to report to work in Salt Lake City on Monday morning, park rangers were notified and the initial search began.

Teton Interagency Dispatch Center received a call from the Teton County Sheriff’s Office at 11:15 a.m. on Monday, informing them of concern for the whereabouts of Kuhl and his friend, Seftick. Kuhl’s girlfriend contacted the Sheriff’s Office with information that he failed to report to work that morning after a weekend trip to Grand Teton National Park. Upon receiving notification of overdue backcountry skiers, rangers checked the Taggart Lake trailhead and found the vehicles owned by the two men. This discovery prompted a search and rescue operation.

Because of unstable snow conditions on Monday afternoon, rangers chose not to use a ground search, which would put rescue personnel at risk. Instead, a helicopter reconnaissance flight took place late Monday. Erratic winds and poor visibility pre-empted a thorough search and at sunset, rangers were forced to suspend the operation and make plans for a larger search effort Tuesday.

Four teams with four rescuers each began skiing into Garnet Canyon from the Teton Park Road, followed by an operation team that will support the advance teams with radio communications and other needs. A helicopter flight was launched at 11:20 a.m. after weather conditions allowed and visibility improved. The rescue teams will conduct a methodical search of several areas throughout the Garnet Canyon area, and focus on probable locations where Kuhl and Seftick might have gone.

Both Kuhl and Seftick have some knowledge of the Teton backcountry and have previously climbed and skied in the Teton Range. They carried avalanche equipment with them and are familiar with the use of such equipment.

Avalanche conditions over the past few days were rated as “considerable,” by the Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center, meaning that human-triggered avalanches were likely. Today’s avalanche report states that  moderate danger exists in high elevations above the 9,000 feet and low danger for mid to low elevations from 6,000 feet to 9,000 feet. Six to seven inches of new snow fell overnight at the 9,300 and 9,580-foot elevation snow plot stations on Rendezvous Mountain. 

Further information will be available as the search effort progresses.

Backcountry Skier Triggers Avalanche on Shadow Peak

April 1, 2011
11-13
A backcountry skier escaped injury in a large avalanche he triggered on the south aspect of Shadow Peak in the "Four Hour Couloir" in Grand Teton National Park Friday.


The Teton Interagency Dispatch Center received a 911 call at 2:20 p.m. Friday reporting a large slide originally thought to be on Albright Peak, but later corrected to be Shadow Peak. Park rangers mobilized for a search and rescue, but stood down at 3 p.m. when the reporting party called back to say everyone was safe and uninjured.


Rangers later spoke with skier Jimmy Chin, who said a "large, wet slab cracked around him with a two-foot crown." He said he rode the slide for at least 1,000 feet. Rangers will conduct a more thorough interview once Chin returns from the backcountry.


"Backcountry skiers need to stay informed of the latest snow conditions, especially with warm temperatures, a deep snowpack and a lack of freezing temperatures at night," said Park Ranger Ryan Schuster.


Skiers are advised to obtain current avalanche forecasts before entering the backcountry by visiting the Bridger-Teton National Forest avalanche website at http://www.jhavalanche.org/, or calling the avalanche center at 307.733.2664. The website rated the avalanche danger Friday as “moderate” for high and mid-level elevations and “considerable” for low elevations during the afternoon. The advisory also stated, “At the high elevations, pockets of dense surface slabs with depths to two feet could be triggered in very steep wind loaded avalanche terrain. Avalanches are unlikely at the mid and low elevations this morning in the mostly stable snowpack. As warm temperatures and sunlight weaken the snowpack today wet slides will become possible this afternoon.”


Backcountry users are reminded that weather and other factors may prevent the ability of rescuers to effectively reach locations in the Teton Range to perform an evacuation. Anyone entering the backcountry of Grand Teton National Park should be prepared with appropriate emergency equipment such as avalanche beacons, extra clothing, water and high energy snacks, among other items.

Backcountry Skier Injured during Avalanche in Granite Canyon

March 15, 2011
11-11

Grand Teton National Park rangers enlisted the help of the Teton County contract helicopter to rescue a backcountry skier who was injured during an avalanche on Tuesday morning, March 15.  Benjamin Shortledge, a 32-year-old Jackson resident, triggered an avalanche around 11:20 a.m. while skiing with friends on the northwest side of Cardiac Ridge in Granite Canyon. He received several injuries as a two-foot deep and 40-foot wide soft slab avalanche carried him about 400 feet down a slope near a feature known as Shady Lady.

Because of the remote location in Granite Canyon, the ski party could not get cell phone reception. Consequently, one of the Shortledge’s companions donned his skins and made his way back up the slope they had just skied in order to reach a saddle just northwest of Rendezvous Mountain from where a 911 call could be made. Teton County dispatchers received that call for help about 1:15 p.m. and in turn notified the Teton Interagency Dispatch Center in Grand Teton National Park. Rangers immediately contacted the Teton County Search and Rescue coordinator and requested assistance from their contract helicopter and pilot Ken Johnson. In the meantime, Jackson Hole Mountain Resort ski patrollers made preparations to ski into Granite Canyon from the resort boundary to help with the rescue. Two ski patrollers met Shortledge’s companion at the mountain saddle and the three of them skied to his location, arriving at approximately 2:30 p.m. The patrollers provided emergency care and prepared Shortledge for the arrival of the ship.    

Rangers aboard the County helicopter reached Shortledge at 3:28 p.m., and he was flown to the base of the Jackson Hole Mountain Resort. After the ship landed at 3:51 p.m., a Teton County ambulance transported him to St. John’s Medical Center in Jackson. The remaining members of the ski party were also evacuated by air from Granite Canyon.

The Bridger-Teton National Forest avalanche report rated the avalanche danger on Tuesday as “low” for all elevations. However the advisory also stated, “Strong southwesterly to westerly ridge top winds have created isolated pockets of wind slab 6 to 12 inches deep at the upper elevations. Backcountry travelers could trigger these easily identifiable slabs in steep, wind loaded terrain.” For up-to-date avalanche forecasts, visit http://www.jhavalance.org/, or call the avalanche center at 307.733.2664.

While this rescue operation proceeded quickly and smoothly, it is important for backcountry users to realize that weather and other factors may prevent the ability of rescuers to effectively reach locations in the Teton Range to perform an evacuation. Anyone entering the backcountry of Grand Teton National Park should be prepared with appropriate emergency equipment such as avalanche beacons, extra clothing, water and high energy snacks, among other items. Such basic gear may make all the difference if an unexpected event happens and an unplanned night in the backcountry becomes a reality.