A smooth slab avalanche measuring two ft deep claimed the life of 1 skier and injured one other within the Cardiff Fork/Silver Fork space of Massive Cottonwood Canyon on Saturday round 12:45pm.
A search and rescue staff responded to the scene and the injured skier was introduced down from the mountain round 2:30pm. A Utah Division of Public Security helicopter arrived roughly half-hour later and extracted the deceased skier. Each the deceased skier and the injured skier haven’t been recognized however they’re each males of their 50s and have been collectively the slide was triggered.
Salt Lake County Mayor Jenny Wilson issued the next assertion on Saturday night time:
“My heartfelt condolences exit to the household and buddies of the skier who tragically misplaced their life at this time,” she wrote. “I can instantly relate to the overwhelming grief, having personally misplaced a member of the family to the mountain in Salt Lake County almost 30 years in the past. Our beautiful mountains and canyons present us with a robust connection to nature, however generally that connection brings unimaginable heartache. I additionally need to prolong my greatest needs for a swift restoration to the opposite skiers who have been caught within the avalanche and survived. We’re profoundly grateful for the dedication of our Salt Lake County Search and Rescue staff and others who assisted. Their tireless dedication and talent deserve our deepest appreciation.”
The avalanche hazard in Utah stays appreciable and anybody touring in avalanche terrain must be conscious:
“Areas of CONSIDERABLE avalanche hazard exist on many slopes of the mid and higher elevations. The hazard is most pronounced on northwest to east going through terrain. On these slopes, you might set off smooth slab avalanches 1-3 ft thick and a pair hundred ft huge failing on quite a lot of weak interfaces. A MODERATE hazard exists on many different steep slopes the place human triggered avalanches stay doable. Strict journey protocols are important for backcountry driving at this time.” -Utah Avalanche Middle
Our ideas exit the sufferer’s household and buddies. Learn the preliminary accident report from Utah Avalanche Middle under.
Utah Avalanche Middle Accident and Rescue Abstract:
Within the East Bowl of Silver Fork of BCC, two skiers have been caught and carried in an avalanche. One was killed by way of trauma. The opposite skier sustained vital leg accidents and was evacuated by way of helicopter.
Wasatch Backcountry Rescue (members of Alta and Snowbird patrols), Utah DPS, and Powderbird assisted with the restoration and rescue.
Remark Date: Saturday, February 8, 2025
Avalanche Date: Saturday, February 8, 2025
Area: Salt Lake » Massive Cottonwood Canyon » Silver Fork » East Bowl
Location Title or Route: East Bowl – PRELIMINARY REPORT.
Elevation: 10,300′
Side: West
Set off: Unknown
Avalanche Sort: Tender Slab
Depth: 2′
Width: 150′
Vertical: Unknown
Caught: 2
Carried: 2
Injured: 2
Killed: 1
