According to the Unified Police Department of Salt Lake City, an avalanche on Utah’s Lone Peak resulted in the tragic death of two skiers and the hospitalization of a third individual.
According to the police, it is believed that the skiers were buried by an avalanche in the backcountry.
Sgt. Aymee Race informed reporters that the two deceased victims were described as men, aged 32 and 23 years old.
According to Race, the skier who was hospitalized managed to free himself from the snow and tried to save his two friends before seeking assistance. He sustained minor injuries and is currently receiving treatment.
Authorities have stated that search and rescue professionals are unable to reach the accident site due to hazardous avalanche conditions.
According to authorities, the ongoing recovery efforts were temporarily halted on Thursday afternoon as snow resumed falling on the mountain. The Utah Avalanche Center has confirmed that the recovery operation will remain suspended until Friday.
According to Craig Gordon of the Utah Avalanche Center, it is uncommon to see large and hazardous avalanches at this time of the ski season. This is because the snowpack is usually stabilized by the warmth of the daytime.
According to Gordon, the weather conditions took a drastic turn when a recent storm dumped around 30 inches of snow. This sudden change in weather significantly increased the level of danger. Gordon also mentioned that the terrain on the north side of Lone Peak is steep and challenging, making rescue operations even more complicated.
Earlier in the day, Alta Ski Area informed ABC News that they had sent a ski patroller and an avalanche rescue dog to aid in the search and rescue operation.
According to the Colorado Avalanche Information Center, there have been a total of 15 avalanche fatalities in the United States during the 2023-2024 season, which includes the two tragic accidents that occurred on Thursday.