Two skiers were killed and one was rescued following an avalanche near Lone Peak in Utah on Thursday, May 9, 2024. The names of the deceased skiers were not released, but they were described as two men, one a local aged 23 and the other an out-of-state visitor aged 32.
The third skier was rescued by helicopter after extracting himself from the snow and attempting to rescue his friends. Search and rescue efforts were hindered by dangerous avalanche conditions, which forced recovery efforts to be paused until Friday due to additional snowfall on the mountain.
Large, dangerous avalanches are rare this late in the ski season due to daytime warmth stabilizing the snowpack. However, recent storm conditions quickly raised danger levels and created unstable conditions on Lone Peak's north side, which is steep and technical terrain.
The Utah Avalanche Center reported that most avalanches occur from December through April when snowfall amounts are normally higher. But they can happen at any time of the year, including in the spring when fresh or melting snow can create problems.
Alta Ski Area dispatched resources to assist with search and rescue efforts. The Utah Public Safety Department, Salt Lake County Sheriff's Office, Unified Police Department of Greater Salt Lake, Unified Fire Authority, and other agencies also responded to the scene.
The avalanche occurred after five hours of skiing in the backcountry near Lone Peak. It is important for skiers to be aware of avalanche conditions and take necessary precautions when venturing into the backcountry.
This tragic incident serves as a reminder that skiing in the backcountry can be dangerous, especially during unstable snow conditions. Always check local avalanche forecasts before heading out and make sure you are prepared with proper equipment and knowledge.
