Two Killed in Utah Avalanches After Major Winter Storm

Deadly incidents occurred in separate backcountry areas following season's first major snowfall.

Mar. 2, 2026 at 3:47am

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Two people were killed in separate avalanche incidents in Utah this week following the season's first major winter storm. The first fatality occurred on Wednesday when a man became stuck in the snow and his son was caught in an avalanche while trying to dig him out. The second fatal avalanche came on Thursday in the backcountry around Brighton, though details were still limited. The Utah Avalanche Center warned that the storm had created dangerous and unpredictable avalanche conditions that could persist even as skies cleared.

Why it matters

Avalanche safety and preparedness is a critical issue for outdoor enthusiasts in Utah, where heavy snowfall and steep terrain can create life-threatening conditions. These tragic incidents highlight the need for backcountry users to exercise extreme caution and ensure they are properly equipped with avalanche rescue gear.

The details

On Wednesday, a man and his juvenile son were snowmobiling in the Snake Creek area west of Midway when the man became stuck. As the boy tried to dig him out, an avalanche was triggered, carrying the father away. The boy used an avalanche beacon to locate his father but was unable to rescue him in time. The second fatal avalanche occurred on Thursday in the backcountry around Brighton, though details were limited as of Friday.

  • On Wednesday around 4 p.m., an avalanche was reported in the Snake Creek area west of Midway.
  • On Thursday, a second fatal avalanche occurred in the backcountry around Brighton.

The players

Wasatch County Search and Rescue

The search and rescue team that responded to the initial avalanche incident but declared the site unsafe due to hazardous conditions.

Wasatch County Sheriff's Office

The local law enforcement agency that responded to the avalanche incident in the Snake Creek area.

Utah Avalanche Center

The organization that provides avalanche forecasting and safety guidance for the state of Utah.

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What they’re saying

“The Wasatch County Sheriff's Office extends its deepest condolences to the family, friends and all those affected by this tragic incident. We also recognize the courageous efforts of the juvenile involved and the responding personnel who assisted in this difficult situation. Our thoughts are with all those impacted.”

— Wasatch County Sheriff's Office

What’s next

The Utah Avalanche Center will continue investigating the details of the second fatal avalanche that occurred on Thursday in the backcountry around Brighton.

The takeaway

These tragic avalanche incidents underscore the importance of proper preparation, caution, and avalanche safety knowledge for anyone venturing into Utah's backcountry, especially following major winter storms that can create highly unstable and dangerous snow conditions.