Snowmobiler killed in Wasatch County avalanche

SALT LAKE CITY — A snowmobiler was killed after getting caught in an avalanche on Wednesday in Wasatch County, the Wasatch County Sheriff’s Office said.

A father and son who were snowmobiling when the avalanche struck got caught in the sliding snow, and the father was buried, the sheriff’s office said.

“The juvenile male, using an avalanche beacon, located and dug his father out of the snow,” the sheriff’s office said. “Despite his efforts, the adult male was deceased.”

The Wasatch County Sheriff’s Office said the avalanche struck in an area in the Snake Creek area, specifically in the Big Flat area at 4 p.m.

 

“The Wasatch County Sheriff’s Office extends its deepest condolences to the family, friends, and all those affected by this tragic incident,” the sheriff’s office said. “We also recognize the courageous efforts of the juvenile involved and the responding personnel who assisted in this difficult situation. Our thoughts are with all those impacted.”

Wasatch County Search and Rescue, Wasatch County Sheriff’s Office deputies and Wasatch Fire District personnel responded to reports of the avalanche but weren’t able to investigate the incident until Thursday due to unsafe conditions.

The news of Utah’s fatal avalanche came just a couple days after California experienced the deadliest avalanche in the U.S. in 45 years on Tuesday. 

“Backcountry users are urged to check the Utah Avalanche Center website before traveling into avalanche terrain and to review current forecasts and safety guidance,” the sheriff’s office said.

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This story is breaking and will be updated as more information becomes available.