January 1, Utah Backcountry Avalanche Kills Third Victim

Wyatt’s Take

• 45-year-old Rose Park man buried Sunday in Snake Creek slide.
• Rescuers recovered body Monday after hazard mitigation.
• Third fatality this week amid high avalanche risks.

A snowmobiler died after an avalanche buried him in Utah’s backcountry west of Midway. Unstable snow forced teams to suspend search Sunday night.

Operations resumed at dawn with safety blasts. His body came out before 9 a.m., identity pending family notice.

Last Wednesday in Snake Creek, a father snowmobiling with his son got caught. The boy used a beacon to dig him free, but dad passed at the scene.

Thursday saw 11-year-old Madelyn Eitas from Rochester, Massachusetts, buried near Brighton Ski Resort’s out-of-bounds Rock Garden. She reached the hospital in critical shape but didn’t make it.

The Utah Avalanche Center warns of considerable danger.

“As a wet and warm storm brings rain up to 9,800 feet by this evening, expect wet snow avalanches to become larger and increasingly likely around the compass throughout the day,” forecasters said.

Heartland hunters and riders, gear up right and check those reports before hitting powder country.

Wyatt Matters

Real Americans cherish wild places but smart ones heed nature’s warnings to protect kin and come home whole.

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