SUMMIT COUNTY, Utah – Rescue efforts for a skier who was buried in an avalanche on Saturday were canceled until the following morning.
It took place just before 3:30 pm in the Square Top area, near Park City Mountain Canyons Village, but not on the resort boundaries.
LAST WEEKEND: Sundance Mountain Resort closes temporarily due to avalanche
The victim’s friend, who was not caught on the slide, managed to pull her out and try to save her life.
However, the friend had to leave the area due to extreme avalanche danger, according to the Summit County Sheriff’s Office. This danger also prevented the county search and rescue team from reaching the area at dusk.
They will resume the rescue effort on Sunday morning, along with help from the Utah Department of Public Security.
Authorities have not confirmed whether the individual died.
“This is an ongoing operation and no additional information about the avalanche victim will be provided,” wrote the sheriff’s office in a press release. “As soon as we have made contact with the victim, we will provide additional details.”
The sheriff’s office also reminded those going to the backcountry to be extremely cautious – to be prepared with the right equipment, avoid avalanche danger areas and check conditions at the Utah Avalanche Center (UAC) Internet network location.
UAC warned of a high avalanche risk this weekend due to current conditions. There is a weak, older base layer that cannot withstand the recent and heavier pile of snow at the top – making a recipe for an avalanche accident, experts told FOX 13.
READ / WATCH: Great Utah avalanche danger due to light snow
They advised anyone heading inland to avoid slopes of 30 degrees or more.
According to UAC, Square Top is home to “a notorious avalanche trail in the Canyons hinterland … [the] site of various accidents and deaths. “
It appears that an avalanche was observed at Square Top earlier this week.
“Square has been a sleeping giant waiting for someone to go out and take a walk and today it finally happened.” – @UACwasatch observation record. pic.twitter.com/2KvrcCNUXe
– 𝐁𝐫𝐢𝐚𝐧 𝐒𝐜𝐡𝐧𝐞𝐞 (@brian_schnee) January 30, 2021
There were dozens of avalanches in Utah during the 2020-21 winter season, one of which was fatal.
This is a developing story. We will update this article as more information becomes available.