Further Fatal Avalanches in North America
Utah as seen four fatalities in the past week.
The first was a snow mobiler who was caught in an avalanche at Ant Knolls near Wasatch Mountain State Park.
In the latest incident a skier who was critically injured in a Big Cottonwood Canyon avalanche last weekend has died in hospital.
Kevin Williams, 57, was taken to hospital in critical condition on Saturday, along with a 48-year-old man, after the avalanche near the Butler Fork trailhead.
The other man, Joshua Lemon, has been released from the hospital.
The latest incidents follow the death of nine people in California two weeks ago.
They were in a group of 15 that included four guides and 11 recreational skiers.
The authorities are urging extreme caution given the current snow conditions, and for people heading into the back country to be correctly equipped.
One person skiing alone at Palisades Tahoe in California has a lucky escape after falling in deep snow.
He became trapped upside down unable to move and two passing skiers, Carson Schmidt and Eric Masuda , saw the tips of his skis sticking out of the snow and were able to dig him out.
They advised everyone to ski with a buddy.
The resort of Palisades Tahoe said there was no avalanche, but the area received a lot of snow in a short period of time.
In Canada a 15-year-old has died after being caught in an avalanche in the resort of Nakiska, about 100kms west of Calgary.
Another teenager survived the slide.
The avalanche happened in-bounds in the ski area.
The Alberta Alpine Ski Association confirmed two of their athletes were involved in the incident.
The Association said “We are heartbroken and profoundly saddened by this tragic loss of life, and we extend our most sincere and heartfelt condolences to the family as they navigate this unimaginable grief.”
“Our hearts are with the family and friends of this individual,” said the Nakiska Ski Area in a statement.
“We are sending out deepest care to the family dealing with this horrible situation.”
An investigation is underway.
This is the fifth avalanche death in western Canada this season.
Four have happened in the last 11 days.
Related Articles:
- Avalanche deaths in Europe reach 117 this winter
- To ski, or not to ski? That is the question
- New research shows avalanches are starting faster
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