Snowmobiler missing after Piute County avalanche

File photo: Utah Avalanche Center
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PIUTE COUNTY, Utah, Feb. 7, 2018 (Gephardt Daily) — A snowmobiler has been reported missing after an avalanche on Circleville Mountain, in Piute County.

According to information from the Beaver County Sheriff’s Office, three snowmobilers from Washington County were out on the mountain at about 5 p.m. Thursday when their activity triggered an avalanche, reported to be 100 feet wide and 200 feet long.

Two riders were caught in the avalanche. The third snowmobiler was able to locate one friend, and dig him out of the snow. The other snowmobiler could not be located after the avalanche.

Search and rescue teams from Piute and Beaver counties responded, but visibility and temperatures dropped quickly, and the snow remained unstable, putting first responders at high risk.

For safety reasons, crews have suspended their search until Friday morning, a Beaver County Sheriff official told Gephardt Daily at 10:30 p.m.

Crews intend to begin the search again early Friday morning, he said.

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