At least three feared dead in Utah avalanche

[MaineDem]

PROVO, Utah, Dec. 26 — An avalanche swept at least five snowboarders down a northern Utah canyon hit by a heavy snowstorm Friday. Two managed to dig their way out after being buried up to their chests, but authorities held out little hope of finding the others alive.

Rescue workers called off their search Friday night in Provo Canyon, about 25 miles northeast of Provo, after authorities decided it was too dangerous to continue.

Utah County Sheriff Jim Tracy said the missing snowboarders probably would not survive. ''It's not probable at this time,'' he said.

The two Utah County men who survived — ages 18 and 20 — were part of a group of five snowboarders. Witnesses reported seeing at least two other parties of skiers, but that has not been confirmed, Tracy said.

http://famulus.msnbc.com/famulusgen/ap12-26-163426.asp?t=apnew&vts=122720030559

Edited - I forgot to add the link.

[Robb]

1. This is sad

We lose many folks here in CO every year, too. The backcountry is dangerous, and there seems to be a common theme:

"None of the snowboarders carried standard avalanche safety equipment such as transponders, shovels or probe poles, Tracy said."

Sadly, I'd also bet none of them checked their local avalanche report. Death by avalanche is among the most preventable; I wish people would educate themselves before heading out. :(