Avalanche Death Confirmed In Idaho, 12th Nationwide In Last Seven Days

The Gallatin National Forest Avalanche Center (GNFAC) has confirmed that a snowmobiler died in a backcountry avalanche on Sunday, February 23, 2026.

The accident occurred north of Keg Springs trailhead near Island Park, Idaho in the Centennial Mountains, according to GNFAC.

“One snowmobiler was caught and killed in an avalanche,” writes the GNFAC in a preliminary report. “It was a group of four visiting the area from the mid-west. One was buried fairly deeply and did not survive. 2 others may have been caught in this slide as well but uninjured.”

GNFAC is visiting the site today for a full investigation. The preliminary report states that the avalanche occurred on an East-facing slope at 8,000 feet. A “persistent slab” has been identified as the problem type.

The accident marks the eighteenth avalanche-related death in the United States this winter, and the twelfth in the last seven days.

Nine skiers were killed in an avalanche near Castle Peak, California, on Wednesday, the 18th, and two separate avalanches occurred in Utah at the tail end of last week, each claiming a life.

Twelve people lost their lives in avalanches over the last week. That’s not normal.

With that in mind, POWDER reminds all backcountry skiers and snowmobilers to use caution if venturing out. Check the avalanche forecast, carry a beacon, shovel, and probe, and stay safe out there, friends.

POWDER’s thoughts and condolences are with the friends and family of the deceased during this difficult time.

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