One killed, two caught in separate avalanches in Wasatch Back amid dangerous storm conditions

Peak 5 lift at Canyons Village with the Park City ridgeline behind it. Photo: Google Earth

SUMMIT COUNTY, Utah — One person was killed and two others were buried in separate avalanche incidents in Utah on Wednesday, capping a dangerous day of avalanche activity across the state.

According to the Utah Avalanche Center the fatality occurred in Wasatch County in an area between Snake Creek and Ant Knolls. The victim’s name has not been released. UAC forecasters are expected to travel to the site Thursday to begin an investigation.

In a separate close call, a backcountry skiing party of three was caught in an avalanche near the Nutty Putty area off the Park City ridgeline after exiting through the Peak 5 backcountry gate. The group had been navigating toward lower-angle terrain when, moments after stopping, they were struck by what observers believe was a remotely triggered storm slab originating higher on the slope.

Two members of the party were carried by the slide. One was partially buried, while the other was fully buried with only a boot visible above the debris. Both survived without injury. The third member of the group was not hit.

The UAC had issued avalanche warnings across much of northern Utah ahead of an intensifying storm system, with new snow and faceted weak layers contributing to unstable conditions throughout the Wasatch Range.