A man snowmobiling with his young son was killed when an avalanche broke free Wednesday in a popular area for backcountry recreation, according to the Wasatch County Sheriff’s Office.

The falling snow struck the man in the Big Flat area near Snake Creek, west of Midway, the sheriff’s office said in a news release.

The boy wasn’t trapped in the slide, and using an avalanche beacon, he was able to dig his father out of the snow. But the man was ultimately pronounced dead, authorities said.

Search and rescue crews with the sheriff’s office responded at about 4 p.m., but officials said access to the slide site was deemed unsafe.

Crews with the Utah Avalanche Center planned to visit the site Thursday.

“The Wasatch County Sheriff’s Office extends its deepest condolences to the family, friends, and all those affected by this tragic incident,” the sheriff’s office wrote in the release.

“We also recognize the courageous efforts of the juvenile involved and the responding personnel who assisted in this difficult situation,” the statement continued. “Our thoughts are with all those impacted.”

The Utah Avalanche Center early Wednesday issued a warning 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 onto older, weak layers, creating an “inconsistent” and “difficult to assess” snowpack.

“We want people to enjoy the Cottonwood Canyons, but safety must come first,” said Salt Lake County Sheriff Rosie Rivera in a news release. “When conditions are unstable, the smartest decision may be to avoid backcountry recreation altogether.”