Two skiers were killed after they were caught in an avalanche in Utah following late spring snowstorms, the sheriff says

SANDY, Utah (AP) — Two backcountry skiers were killed and one was rescued after they were swept away and buried in an avalanche Thursday in the mountains outside Salt Lake City that struck after several days of spring snowstorms, authorities said.

A rescue team went to the area mid-morning after the avalanche was reported near Lone Peak in the Wasatch Range southeast of Salt Lake City, Salt Lake County Sheriff Rosie Rivera said. One of the skiers who was able to dig himself out of the snow was rescued and taken to a hospital, Rivera said. She said she believed he was the one who called for help. Officers spoke with him at the hospital to get more information about the incident, the sheriff said.

Rescuers flew a helicopter over the area Thursday afternoon and confirmed the deaths of the other two skiers, Rivera said. There are two men aged 23 and 32. Their names have not been released, but their families have been notified, the sheriff said.

Conditions were not safe enough Thursday to allow recovery, and crews planned to leave Friday morning if weather permitted, Rivera said.

These deaths bring the number of avalanche deaths in the U.S. this winter to at least 15, which is fewer than the average of about 30 people killed by avalanches each year. The Colorado Avalanche Information Center, which tracks the toll nationwide, counted 13 deaths before authorities announced the death toll on Thursday.

The site of the avalanche, Lone Peak, is one of the highest peaks in the Wasatch Range, overlooking Utah’s capital city. Its steep, rugged terrain makes it a popular destination for advanced backcountry skiers, and in the warmer months, experienced climbers can be found scaling its steep granite walls.

The slide occurred at Big Willow Cirque, said Craig Gordon of the Utah Avalanche Center.

“This is very serious terrain. It’s steep. It faces north. The crew up there had to be experienced,” Gordon said.

Rivera said they were experienced skiers who were prepared to ski.

He said about 2.5 feet (76 centimeters) of heavy, wet snow fell in the area over the past three days in storms that also brought very strong winds.

“As spring arrives, avalanche conditions can change in an instant,” Gordon said.

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Hanson reported from Helena, Montana. Associated Press writer Hannah Schoenbaum contributed to this report.