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PARK CITY, Utah -- An avalanche outside The Canyons ski resort Friday has trapped at least one backcountry skier, the Summmit County Sheriff said.
"We can only confirm one, perhaps two at this point," Sheriff Dave Edmunds said during a short news conference at a command center set up to look for the victim or victims.
Edmunds quickly discounted the report of some television outlets that reported up to 15 people had been trapped in the slide. "That is erroneous," he said.
About 30 search and rescue workers, rescue dog crews and members of ski patrols from Summit County resorts were searching the area of Dutch Draw Friday afternoon, Edmunds said.
"We are going to work this as long as it takes, whether it's a rescue or recovery operation," he said.
Life Flight helicopter was dispatched from Salt Lake City, about 20 miles away, with a report of possible victims, said LDS Hospital spokesman Jess Gomez.
Bruce Tremper, director of the Utah Avalanche Center, said the slide was in Dutch Draw, just south of The Canyons resort.
That is an out-of-bounds area next to The Canyons, but the resort "can't close it off. It would be like trying to close a city park," Tremper said.
The Utah Avalanche Center warned of considerable avalanche danger Friday, which means human triggered avalanches were probable.
"We're recommending people avoid being on or underneath any steep slopes," Tremper said.
"It underscores just how dangerous the backcountry is right now," Edmunds said.
A series of storms lasting over two weeks dropped 6-8 feet of wet, heavy snow on the Wasatch mountains, setting up prime avalanche conditions.
Television coverage of the rescue scene showed volunteers and rescue dogs fanning out over the Dutch Draw area.