The Sawtooth Avalanche Center says a snowmobiler was killed in an avalanche Friday. The avalanche happened in the Smiley Creek drainage, about eight miles southwest of Galena Summit, according to a Facebook post.
Members of the riders party were not able to revive the victim at the accident scene. The snowmobiler was not identified by the Sawtooth Avalanche Center.
"We extend our heartfelt condolences to the victim’s friends and family," said Sawtooth Avalanche Center officials in the Facebook post.
USFS Sawtooth Avalanche Center staff are visiting the site of the accident. Avalanche danger is moderate to considerable in the Sawtooth National Forest and is moderate in the area of Galena Summit.
The weak snow buried near the ground continues to be a primary concern in the area of Galena Summit, according to the avalanche center. Recent snowfall in the mountains has hidden signs of wind events in some places, making it difficult to tell when you are on previously wind-loaded slopes. The avalanche forecast remains moderate through Saturday.
More information will be released when it is available.
