SALT LAKE CITY (AP) - Two groups of skiers in Utah who over the weekend were caught in one of the state’s deadliest avalanches chose the location because they believed it was less hazardous, a report has said.
The Utah Avalanche Center released the report Friday which said the groups knew the area between Millcreek and Big Cottonwood was avalanche terrain but considered it a safer option in dangerously low snowpack, the Deseret News reported.
Four backcountry skiers in their 20s died in the avalanche Saturday and another four managed to dig themselves out and didn’t suffer serious injuries. It was the deadliest avalanche in about 30 years.
“They thought any avalanches in that area would be “pockety” and did not think the entire slope would avalanche as it did,” the report said.
The slide, more than 3 feet (0.91 meters) deep and 1,000 feet (304 meters) wide, was likely human-triggered but it is unclear by whom. Three of the four who died were Salt Lake City residents: Louis Holian and Stephanie Hopkins, both 26, and Thomas Louis Steinbrecher, 23. The fourth, 29-year-old Sarah Moughamian was from the suburb of Sandy, Utah.
The report also detailed how one skier was able to cling to a tree until the snow stopped and was joined by another skier in his group to search for the others.
“Their rescue efforts were top-notch, and they knew how to perform companion rescue quickly and efficiently. They did the absolute best anyone could do with six full burials,” the report said.
Low snowpack and the desire of skiers to avoid long lift lines and crowds during the pandemic have raised concerns about an uptick in the number of avalanche deaths this season.
The report revealed Wilson Glade, the site where the groups were skiing, has been the location of several “close calls” in recent years because it’s perceived as safer than the steeper surrounding terrain. At least 9 of the 10 natural avalanches there since 2010 were human-triggered including the one on Saturday, officials said.
Please read our comment policy before commenting.