Snowmobiler dies in Oquirrh Mountain avalanche

Location of avalanche that caused the death of a 38-year-old man on Monday, March 27. Photo: Courtesy of Google Maps.

UTAH — A snowmobiler was killed in an avalanche on Monday, March 27, in Pole Canyon of the Oquirrh Mountains, located in Utah County.

The snowmobiler had been out riding with one other snowmobiler when a very large avalanche occurred, causing the victim, a 38-year-old man, to be caught, carried, and fully buried.

Utah County Search and Rescue, the Utah Department of Public Safety, and LifeFlight were all involved in the search, in addition to the victim’s partner, friends, and family.

The rider was located with the use of an avalanche transceiver and probe. The victim was buried over 22 feet under the snow, and it took time to recover him. Responders discovered that the victim deployed an airbag, but it was deflated by the time he was found.

Late last night @UCSO_SAR located the body of the 38 year old man caught in an avalanche in Pole Canyon near Cedar Fort. He was buried in over 22’ of snow. Later I will release more details of how he was caught and how he was recovered. I will be available for interviews. pic.twitter.com/1aUzN1TK0i

— Utah County Sheriff (@UCSO) March 28, 2023