MILLCREEK ? Four people were killed in an avalanche in Millcreek Canyon Saturday.
Unified police said that four others were able to dig themselves out and survived. The survivors were able to dig out the victims, according to UPD Sgt. Melody Cutler. All those involved are between the ages of 23 and 38 years old.
Reports of the avalanche first came in at around 11:40 a.m., and officials reported that all of the skiers involved were wearing beacons. The Utah Avalanche Center reports the avalanche was "unintentionally triggered" at 9,300 feet.
Authorities are at the scene near the Alexander Basin, according to the Unified Police Department. All four survivors have been brought down the canyon for medical treatment; they are doing well with just one experiencing hypothermia. Recovery efforts for the four victims may extend into Sunday.
Officials appear to be turning cars away at the base of the canyon as search and rescue efforts continue. Search and Rescue crews are continuing to survey the area to confirm no one else was caught in the deadly avalanche.
The National Weather Service and Utah Avalanche Center warned of high avalanche danger this morning, saying there had been "large natural avalanches" overnight.
Gov. Spencer Cox advised Utahns to "please exercise extreme caution" with the high avalanche danger.
"This is a terrible tragedy and our prayers go out to the victims and families involved," Cox tweeted. "We are grateful to the first responders and others who engaged in this rescue and recovery effort."
Salt Lake County Mayor Jenny Wilson acknowledged the multiple agencies that will continue working throughout the night.
"The Salt Lake County Sheriff's Canyon Search and Rescue Unit, Unified Police Department, Unified Fire Authority, and other partners are on site responding to the situation," Wilson said in a statement. "We deeply mourn the loss of life due to this devastating incident."
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