Avalanches in Utah Kill One, Injure Others

Avalanche risks in Utah have escalated following a series of deadly incidents over the weekend, culminating in the death of a skier and injuries to another in Big Cottonwood Canyon. On Saturday, a soft slab avalanche struck the Cardiff Fork/Silver Fork area, claiming the life of one skier while another sustained injuries; both were men in their 50s. Search and rescue operations were complicated by subsequent avalanches, underscoring the considerable avalanche danger currently present in the region. This incident marks the fourth avalanche fatality in Utah this season, which has seen unusually dangerous snow conditions since Thanksgiving. Forecasters have urged backcountry skiers to avoid steep slopes and stay informed about avalanche risks, as weather patterns continue to contribute to unstable conditions. The Utah Avalanche Center has warned of a high likelihood of human-triggered avalanches in the coming days, as winter weather brings heavy snowfall to the area.