Snowmobiler, 21, Dies After Avalanche in Idaho

Three others rescued after incident in Centennial Mountains near Island Park

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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A 21-year-old snowmobiler from Minnesota was killed in an avalanche in the Centennial Mountains of Idaho on Sunday, February 22. Three other members of the group were rescued, but the victim was "buried fairly deeply" in the snow and did not survive. The avalanche was about 50 meters wide and one foot deep.

Why it matters

Avalanche deaths have been on the rise in the Western U.S. this year, with 18 recorded so far. This tragic incident highlights the dangers of winter recreation in mountainous areas and the importance of avalanche safety awareness.

The details

The group of four was snowmobiling north of the Keg Springs area in the Centennial Mountains near Island Park, Idaho, when the avalanche occurred around 2 p.m. local time. At least one of the four snowmobilers was caught in the slide and "buried fairly deeply" in the snow, ultimately resulting in the death of 21-year-old Landon Fox of Minnesota. The three other members of the group were eventually rescued, though two may have also been caught in the avalanche.

  • The avalanche occurred around 2 p.m. local time on Sunday, February 22, 2026.
  • The Clark County coroner identified the victim as 21-year-old Landon Fox of Minnesota.

The players

Landon Fox

A 21-year-old snowmobiler from Minnesota who was killed in the avalanche.

Clark County Sheriff Mark McClure

The sheriff who reported that the three other members of the group were eventually rescued.

Ron Sykes

The commander of Fremont County Search and Rescue, who noted the dangerous avalanche conditions due to recent snowfall.

Gallatin National Forest Avalanche Center (GNFAC)

The organization that reported on the avalanche incident and said they would visit the site to gather more information.

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What they’re saying

“We are deeply saddened to report a snowmobile avalanche fatality today.”

— Gallatin National Forest Avalanche Center (GNFAC) (Instagram)

“We went a lot of January with no snow. We get this fresh snow on top of it and it creates real bad avalanche conditions.”

— Ron Sykes, Commander, Fremont County Search and Rescue (Idaho State Journal)

What’s next

The Gallatin National Forest Avalanche Center (GNFAC) said it would visit the site of the avalanche on Monday, February 23, to gather more information about the fatal incident.

The takeaway

This tragic avalanche death is a sobering reminder of the risks of winter recreation in mountainous areas, especially with recent snowfall creating dangerous conditions. It underscores the importance of avalanche safety awareness and preparation for anyone venturing into the backcountry.