A snowboarder died today (March 4, 2015) in an “unintentionally triggered” avalanche in Hells Canyon at approximately 10:44 AM just out of bounds at Utah’s Snowbasin Resort, according to a report on the Utah Avalanche Center.
Two people entered Hells Canyon. Hells Canyon is an out-of-bounds area beyond Snowbasin’s boundary. After a few turns, the two decided to cut back and return into the area. The first person, a snowboarder, triggered a slide and was caught. Preliminary information is the slide was about 2-3 feet deep, and fairly narrow, and triggered in a steep, shallow rock area. The path is a confined gully. He was carried to the bottom and buried about 3 feet deep. He was not wearing a beacon, and found by a dog search. Significant trauma is suspected. Hell’s Canyons has had a shallow, faceted snowpack much of the season.
The snowboarder was Blake Ford, 21-year-old man from Morgan County, Utah, according to NBC News. Our thoughts are with Ford’s family and friends.
[Link: Utah Avalanche Center]
