Post by "BIGTYME" on Jan 14, 2005 23:51:15 GMT -5
Posted 1/14/2005 4:56 PM Updated 1/14/2005 5:28 PM
Avalanche reported near Utah ski resort
PARK CITY, Utah (AP) — An avalanche outside a Utah ski resort has trapped at least one backcountry skier, authorities said Friday.
About 30 search-and-rescue workers, dog crews and members of ski patrols fanned out across the area after the avalanche, Sheriff Dave Edmunds said. He could only confirm that there was one trapped skier — "perhaps two at this point."
"We are going to work this as long as it takes, whether it's a rescue or recovery operation," he said during a short news conference at a command center set up to look for possible victims.
Edmunds discounted reports by some television outlets that said up to 15 people had been trapped. "That is erroneous," he said.
An emergency helicopter was dispatched from Salt Lake City, about 20 miles away, said LDS Hospital spokesman Jess Gomez.
A series of storms lasting over two weeks dropped 6-8 feet of wet, heavy snow on the mountains, setting up prime avalanche conditions.
The Utah Avalanche Center warned of considerable avalanche danger Friday, which means human-triggered avalanches were probable.
"We're recommending people avoid being on or underneath any steep slopes," said Bruce Tremper, director of the center.
"It underscores just how dangerous the backcountry is right now," Edmunds said.
Tremper said the slide occurred just outside The Canyons resort in Park City. It is an out-of-bounds area next to The Canyons, but the resort "can't close it off. It would be like trying to close a city park," Tremper said.
Avalanche reported near Utah ski resort
PARK CITY, Utah (AP) — An avalanche outside a Utah ski resort has trapped at least one backcountry skier, authorities said Friday.
About 30 search-and-rescue workers, dog crews and members of ski patrols fanned out across the area after the avalanche, Sheriff Dave Edmunds said. He could only confirm that there was one trapped skier — "perhaps two at this point."
"We are going to work this as long as it takes, whether it's a rescue or recovery operation," he said during a short news conference at a command center set up to look for possible victims.
Edmunds discounted reports by some television outlets that said up to 15 people had been trapped. "That is erroneous," he said.
An emergency helicopter was dispatched from Salt Lake City, about 20 miles away, said LDS Hospital spokesman Jess Gomez.
A series of storms lasting over two weeks dropped 6-8 feet of wet, heavy snow on the mountains, setting up prime avalanche conditions.
The Utah Avalanche Center warned of considerable avalanche danger Friday, which means human-triggered avalanches were probable.
"We're recommending people avoid being on or underneath any steep slopes," said Bruce Tremper, director of the center.
"It underscores just how dangerous the backcountry is right now," Edmunds said.
Tremper said the slide occurred just outside The Canyons resort in Park City. It is an out-of-bounds area next to The Canyons, but the resort "can't close it off. It would be like trying to close a city park," Tremper said.
