Avalanche — La Sal & Abajo Mountains, Utah

2019-01-25 · La Sal & Abajo Mountains, Utah

Event narrative

On the afternoon of January 25, a snowmobiler was buried in an avalanche in Dark Canyon, in the La Sal Mountains of southeastern Utah. His party attempted a rescue but they were unable to locate him and night was falling. Plans were made for search and rescue efforts to resume the following day. On Saturday, January 26, members from San Juan and Grand County Search and Rescues, Utah Department of Public Safety, and professional avalanche rescue dogs and handlers from Wasatch Backcountry Rescue, Alta, and Park City Ski areas conducted recovery efforts. The body was recovered late in the afternoon.

Wider weather episode

A group of snowmobilers recreating in the Dark Canyon Basin in the La Sal Mountains triggered a massive avalanche.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 794267. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.