Two backcountry skiers tragically lost their lives, and one was rescued after an avalanche swept them up and buried them in the mountains outside of Salt Lake City on Thursday. The incident occurred following several days of spring snowstorms, according to authorities.
In response to an avalanche report near Lone Peak in the Wasatch Range southeast of Salt Lake City, a rescue team was dispatched to the area mid-morning, said Salt Lake County Sheriff Rosie Rivera. One of the skiers managed to dig himself out of the snow and was subsequently rescued and taken to a hospital. Sheriff Rivera believed that he was the one who called for help. Officers were interviewing him at the hospital to gather more information about the incident.
During a helicopter flyover on Thursday afternoon, rescuers confirmed the deaths of the other two skiers, identified as two men aged 23 and 32. Their names have not been released, but their families have been notified, according to the sheriff.
Due to unsafe conditions, a recovery operation could not be conducted on Thursday. Crews planned to return to the site on Friday morning, weather permitting, said Rivera.
With these latest fatalities, the total number of avalanche deaths in the U.S. this winter has risen to at least 15, which is below the average of approximately 30 people killed by avalanches each year. Prior to the announcement of Thursday’s fatalities, the Colorado Avalanche Information Center, which tracks the figure nationally, had recorded 13 deaths.
Lone Peak, the site of the avalanche, is one of the highest peaks in the Wasatch Range, towering over Utah’s capital city. Its steep, rugged terrain makes it a popular destination for advanced backcountry skiers, while experienced climbers can be found scaling its sheer granite walls during the warmer months.
According to Craig Gordon from the Utah Avalanche Center, the slide occurred in the Big Willow Cirque. “This is very serious terrain. It’s steep. It’s north-facing. The crew that was up there would have to be experienced,” Gordon said.
Sheriff Rivera confirmed that the skiers were experienced and well-prepared for the conditions.
In the past three days, about 2.5 feet of heavy, wet snow fell in the area, accompanied by very strong winds, Gordon noted.
“With spring, avalanche conditions can change in an instant,” he warned.