Avalanche Death Confirmed In Utah, First of Season

The Utah Avalanche Center (UAC) has confirmed that an avalanche fatality occurred on Wednesday, February 18, 2026.

The accident occurred between Snake Creek and Ant Knolls to the Southeast of Salt Lake City. Details are scarce at this time, and UAC forecasters are planning to visit the accident site today.

The accident marks the first avalanche death in Utah this winter season, and is at least the 15th nationwide. The UAC’s full statement is below. A preliminary avalanche report is not available on UAC’s website at this time.

Update, February 19, 12:00 p.m. PST. The Wasatch County Sheriff’s Office has released a statement about the accident. According to their report, an adult male and his juvenile son were involved. The father was caught, buried, and killed in the slide. The son, using an avalanche beacon, dug his father out, but he did not survive. The full statement can be found below.

Avalanche danger remains Level 4-HIGH today, February 19, according to the UAC’s daily avalanche forecast.

POWDER will update this post as more information is made available. Our thoughts and condolences are with the friends and family of the deceased.

Related: Eight Skiers Confirmed Dead In California Avalanche