[UPDATED] Hiker Lacking in Snowy Millcreek Canyon, UT, Was Killed by Avalanche

Up to date at 11:30 p.m. PST on Tuesday, December 31, 2024–The physique of a hiker lacking since Saturday was found by a member of the general public on Monday and retrieved yesterday. The sufferer seems to have been buried in an avalanche slightly below Porter Fork Go.

“Salt Lake County Search and Rescue obtained a lacking individual report when a member of the family didn’t present up as anticipated. SLCOSAR looked for the presumably misplaced individual within the Porter Fork space out of Millcreek Canyon for 2 days however couldn’t ascend into larger elevation terrain on account of HIGH avalanche hazard. On Monday night, an excellent Samaritan discovered the one that appeared to have been buried in an avalanche slightly below Porter Fork Go.

The individual seems to have gone into the backcountry alone on Saturday, December 28 and was caught within the avalanche a while that afternoon. SLCOSAR and Lifeflight retrieved the physique on Tuesday.

The UAC issued an AVALANCHE WARNING from Friday, 12/27, via Tuesday, 12/31, as an prolonged and highly effective winter storm with heavy snowfall and robust winds hit the world.

The sufferer was a 38-year-old male from Quebec, Canada.”

– UAC preliminary report

David Ethier, a 38-year-old Canadian, has been recognized because the sufferer. Ethier was mountaineering together with his canine, and his automobile was found on the Porter Fork trailhead. His household reported him overdue. Rescuers discovered Ethier’s canine alive on the path, which aided in finding the hiker’s physique.

The fatality is the fourth avalanche-related loss of life in North America this winter.

Unique article, revealed 1:45 a.m. PST on Tuesday, December 31, 2024

Salt Lake County authorities have launched a search operation for a 38-year-old hiker lacking since Sunday in Millcreek Canyon, Utah. The person, whose id stays undisclosed, was reported overdue earlier than midday after embarking on a solo hike within the Porter Fork space.

Search and rescue groups deployed early Monday, using snowmobiles and drones to navigate the snow-packed terrain. As a consequence of antagonistic climate situations, the Utah Division of Public Security helicopter stays on standby.

Deputy Arlan Bennett highlighted the precautions taken in opposition to excessive avalanche threat, a priority echoed by the Nationwide Climate Service’s warning for the Wasatch Vary—a current storm deposited over two ft of snow in close by canyons and sophisticated rescue efforts.

“Our Search and Rescue groups are working tirelessly to find the person. We stay hopeful and are doing the whole lot in our energy to deliver him dwelling safely.”

– Sheriff Rosie Rivera

Authorities briefly suspended the search at 6:30 p.m. Monday on account of deteriorating climate and darkness. Operations are set to renew Tuesday morning. The Porter Fork Path stays closed because the search continues.

Millcreek Canyon, situated east of Salt Lake Metropolis, is a well-liked leisure space identified for its scenic magnificence and outside actions. Porter Fork in Millcreek Canyon is a winter recreation hub from November to July. The closed higher gate creates preferrred situations for cross-country snowboarding, snowshoeing, and sledding. Whereas in style for its scenic trails and pet-friendly coverage, guests ought to pay attention to avalanche dangers on steeper sections and potential parking limitations. Correct preparation is crucial for safely having fun with this snowy vacation spot.