Two skiers died during an avalanche in the mountains near Salt Lake City.
The men, ages 23 and 32, were swept away by the avalanche in Utah Wasatch Range Thursday morning.
A third skier was rescued and taken to the hospital after climbing out of the snow, according to Salt Lake County Sheriff Rosie Rivera.
The avalanche occurred after several days of spring snow storms in the area.
Craig Gordon of the Utah Avalanche Center said about 2.5 feet (76 cm) of heavy, wet snow had fallen in the area in the past three days during the snow storms, which he said had also brought very strong winds.
“With spring, avalanche conditions can change in an instant,” Gordon said.
He also called the sight of the avalanche, near Lone Peak, “very serious” and “steep” terrain.
An ambulance at the scene. Photo: Isaac Hale/The Deseret News via AP
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Lone Peak, is one of the highest peaks in the Wasatch Range and towers over the capital of Utah.
Its steep and rugged terrain makes it a popular destination for advanced mountain skiers and experienced climbers.
The sheriff’s office said the families of the two skiers had been notified of their deaths.
The deaths bring the number of avalanche deaths in the United States this winter to at least 15, which is less than the average of about 30 people who die from avalanches each year.
In January, one person died and another was injured during an avalanche in Lake Tahoe.
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