Avalanche — Central Mountains, Utah

2014-02-09 · Central Mountains, Utah

Event narrative

A group of four snowmobilers were recreating near the Left Fork Huntington Creek when one of them became stuck. Another person, a 36-year-old male, circled uphill to come help; he triggered an avalanche that buried him but did not catch the stuck snowmobilers. The other snowmobilers began rescue efforts immediately, but the victim was buried 6-8 feet deep, and he passed away at the scene.

Wider weather episode

A series of moist weather disturbances moved across Utah during the second week of February, bringing an extended period of snowfall to northern Utah. In addition to the new snow, two avalanche fatalities occurred during this period of time.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 502604. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.