Utah skier buried after triggering backcountry avalanche, officials say as rescue efforts continue



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Rescuers in Utah rushed Sunday to reach a skier left buried in an avalanche in the backcountry a day earlier, officials said.

Two skiers triggered the avalanche around 3:30 p.m. Saturday in an area known as Square Top, located outside of the resort limits near Park City Mountains Canyon Village, the Summit County Sheriff’s Office said in a press release.

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A skier escaped the avalanche and dug towards their buried friend. The skier “tried to save lives” on the friend but was forced to leave the area due to “extreme avalanche danger”, according to the sheriff’s office.

The avalanche occurred in an area known as Square Top, near the village of Park City Mountains Canyon, officials said.

The avalanche occurred in an area known as Square Top, near the village of Park City Mountains Canyon, officials said.
(Summit County Sheriff’s Office)

It was not known if the buried skier was alive. Officials said more information will be provided after rescuers contact the avalanche victim.

The effort was temporarily halted on Saturday evening after treacherous conditions prevented rescuers from reaching the area, the sheriff’s office said.

Rescue operations resumed at 7 a.m. on Sunday with the help of a helicopter team from the Utah Department of Public Safety, the Sheriff’s Office tweeted.

“We are trying to make the area safe so that staff can enter the burial site,” the sheriff’s office said.

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Authorities have warned those entering Utah’s backcountry to use extreme caution, check avalanche conditions before venturing out, and prepare with the proper equipment.



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