JACKSON, Wyo. (AP) — Wyoming officials say skiers will not be criminally prosecuted in connection with an avalanche on Teton Pass.

There was initial suspicion that skiers were responsible for the large avalanche that on Thursday hit a vehicle and closed a highway to thousands of commuters.

In a press release, Teton County Sheriff's Office Sgt. Todd Stanyon says there was insufficient evidence to back up that theory. He says a skier could be prosecuted if police could show that he or she had a reckless disregard for other people, such as by skiing in an avalanche path when the risk is high.

Police save five of eight backcountry skiers were identified and interviewed.

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