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Utah avalanche responders describe ‘very hectic, very long, very tragic week’ as latest ‘powder craze’ leaves multiple dead

More than 70 slides were reported across the Wasatch backcountry in the last week.

(Francisco Kjolseth | The Salt Lake Tribune) A sign warns of avalanche terrain and provides a sound test for checking backcountry beacons at Cardiff Fork in Big Cottonwood Canyon on Monday, Feb. 23, 2026. More than 70 avalanches were reported in the last week across the Wasatch backcountry, with first responders racing from one rescue to the next.