2 skiers killed, 1 injured in avalanche in Utah backcountry

SANDY, Utah (AP) — Two skiers were killed and one injured Thursday in an avalanche in the backcountry just outside Salt Lake City after days of intense spring snowstorms.

The three-person group was walking in boots up a slope called Big Willow Aprons when they accidentally triggered a slide that completely buried two of them and injured one. According to the Utah Avalanche Center accident report, the lead climber was “caught and carried downhill on the right side of a ridge or ledge.” This person was only partially buried and was able to free himself. The other two were “captured and carried downhill on the left side of the ridge. These two were completely buried and unfortunately did not survive.”

While the surviving skier was rescued on Thursday, rapidly changing weather conditions delayed the recovery of the two deceased until they were successfully recovered this morning.

Our thoughts are with everyone affected by this tragedy.