Avalanche — Wasatch Mountains South of I-80, Utah

2024-03-27 · Wasatch Mountains South of I-80, Utah

Event narrative

Three skiers skiing on the east face of Mt. Raymond in Millcreek Canyon triggered an avalanche, with a width of approximately 200 feet, a depth of 2 feet, and a vertical run of approximately 800 feet. One of the skiers was caught in the slide and forced into trees at a high rate of speed, which resulted in the skier breaking an arm. The other skiers were able to sling the injured skiers arm, and the injured skier was then able to ski out and seek treatment at a medical facility. No specific time was detailed in the avalanche report, so time of avalanche is approximated.

Wider weather episode

Another northern stream trough dug southward along the Pacific Coast before pivoting eastward into the Great Basin and Desert Southwest. Embedded energy in the preceding southwesterly flow and eventual frontal passage with the trough axis shifting eastward resulted in multiple rounds of precipitation, yielding accumulating mountain snow to close out the month of March. Additionally, an avalanche occurred and resulted in an injury.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 1165694. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.