Jackson, Wyo. – An avalanche on the west slope of the Teton mountains swept two brothers down more than
1,000 feet, killing one of them, officials said.
Paul Maniaci, 24, of Steamboat Springs died of trauma and suffocation, according to
Teton County Coroner Bob Campbell.
The avalanche broke about 5 p.m. Saturday near 10,000 feet on the main shelf of Darby
Canyon, which is a few miles from the Idaho state line, authorities said.
Maniaci’s brother, Pete, of Driggs, Idaho, also was carried by the slide but survived.
Sgt. Kelly Wells, who investigated the incident for the sheriffs office, said the brothers
were working their way to the summit of a southwest-facing slope when they entered a gully
near the top. Pete Maniaci, in the lead, felt the snow settle. It then fractured about 10
yards above him, Wells said.
His brother was 20 yards below and the slide took them both down a ravine. The Bridger-Teton
Avalanche Center reported the slide ran 1,500 feet.
Avalanche danger on Saturday afternoon was predicted to be low, a condition when avalanches
are unlikely except in isolated pockets.
Paul Maniaci, whom Wells said was an experienced skier, is the second avalanche victim to
die in Teton County this winter.
