An avalanche ripped through backcountry slopes in Wasatch County yesterday, Feb. 18, killing one person in a popular zone between Snake Creek and Ant Knolls. The Utah Avalanche Center confirmed the fatality and said its forecasters planned to get on the ground while search-and-rescue and law-enforcement teams worked the scene. Officials have not yet released the victim’s name as investigators piece together what happened.
What officials say
According to KSLTV, the Utah Avalanche Center said it was "actively working with the Wasatch County Sheriff's Office to gather details" about the slide. Initial reports put the avalanche in the Snake Creek–Ant Knolls backcountry, and crews were already responding to the area on Wednesday.
Where the slide ran
POWDER reported that the avalanche struck terrain southeast of Salt Lake City between Snake Creek and Ant Knolls, and that UAC forecasters planned to visit the site to assess conditions. The outlet noted that the death was Utah’s first avalanche fatality of the winter and came during a broader storm cycle that had pushed avalanche danger higher across much of the West.
Conditions and risk
In its Provo-area forecast on Feb. 19, the Utah Avalanche Center warned that avalanche danger was HIGH and urged people to avoid all avalanche terrain and stick to slopes under 30 degrees. Forecasters said heavy snow and strong winds had piled thick slabs on top of weak, faceted layers, a structure that can produce large, destructive slides, and reminded anyone heading into the backcountry to carry avalanche rescue gear and know how to use it.
Investigation and local response
Investigations are still underway, and officials say they will release more information as it becomes available. Anyone who was in the Snake Creek–Ant Knolls area around the time of the slide is being asked to contact local authorities. The Utah Avalanche Center has again stressed that backcountry travelers should check the daily forecast and bring proper rescue equipment, according to KSLTV.
