An individual tragically lost their life in an avalanche at Silver Fork in Big Cottonwood Canyon on New Year’s Eve, marking the second avalanche-related fatality in Utah this winter season. The 54-year-old man was caught in the slide on Tuesday, with details of the incident reported by FOX 13. Search and rescue teams located the victim's remains after utilizing an avalanche transceiver, which helped them quickly find the deeply buried body.
Another separate, but equally tragic incident, occurred just days prior in Little Cottonwood Canyon. According to KSL, an overdue hiker from Canada was killed, making it the second avalanche death in only three days. Indeed, this underscores the lethal potential lurking within these treacherous slopes, as both areas were under an avalanche warning at the time of the fatal accidents. The Cottonwood canyons had seen a "high" danger level due to heavy new snow piling atop a weaker subsurface, contributing to avalanche risk on slopes steeper than 30 degrees.
Officials have extended their condolences to the family and loved ones of the victims. "Our heartfelt condolences go out to the victim’s family and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time," stated officials from the Utah Avalanche Center, as obtained by KUTV. Further details regarding the incidents are expected to be compiled and released by the center at a later date.
The authorities continue to warn the public of the dangers associated with the current avalanche conditions. Before the tragedies, a warning was first issued when the danger level rose sharply. An Alta site monitored by the National Weather Service recorded more than 3 feet of new snow since Christmas Day, affecting the stability of snowpack across the Wasatch Mountains. With the risk for both human- and naturally-triggered avalanches, likely, people are strongly urged to stay away from precarious areas, especially those near slopes steeper than the suggested 30 degrees.
