The person was struck near Snake Creek and Ant Knolls.
(Al Hartmann | The Salt Lake Tribune) Mountains are shrouded in rain clouds above Wasatch State Park near Midway on Monday May 16, 2016. An avalanche near the Snake Creek and Ant Knolls areas of the park left one person dead on Wednesday, Feb. 18, 2026.
A person was killed in an avalanche Wednesday in a popular area for backcountry skiing and snowboarding, according to the Utah Avalanche Center.
The falling snow struck the person in an area between Snake Creek and Ant Knolls, in Wasatch County, the center said.
“We are actively working with the Wasatch County Sheriff’s Office to gather details,” the center said in a statement Thursday morning on Facebook. “Our heartfelt condolences go out to the victim’s family and loved ones during this difficult time.”
The center issued a warning early Wednesday that avalanche danger was high.
The Salt Lake County Sheriff’s Office echoed concern Wednesday for anyone venturing into the Cottonwood Canyons, where fresh snow fell on older, weak layers and created an “inconsistent” and “difficult to assess” snowpack.
“This winter has created layers within the snowpack that can be unpredictable,” said Salt Lake County Sheriff Rosie Rivera in a news release. “We want people to enjoy the Cottonwood Canyons, but safety must come first. When conditions are unstable, the smartest decision may be to avoid backcountry recreation altogether.”
— This is a developing story. Check back for updates.