2 Skiers Killed in Separate Wyoming Avalanches

BONDURANT, Wyo. (AP) — Two backcountry skiers from Jackson have died in separate western Wyoming avalanches.

Sublette County Sheriff's officials says 28-year-old Elizabeth "Liza" Gray Benson died after being caught in a small slide west of Bondurant and hitting a tree Sunday afternoon. Grand Teton National Park said Monday that 30-year-old Nick Gillespie was caught in an avalanche Sunday on Survey Peak in the park and died of his injuries.

They are the first two Wyoming avalanche deaths this winter, according to the Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center.

The avalanche danger was rated considerable Monday in the Tetons and moderate in the Togwotee (TOH'-go-tee) Pass and Greys River areas.

The Tetons got significant snowfall over the weekend. The snowpack is unstable because the new snow is resting on old snow that is either weak or slick.