SALT LAKE COUNTY, Utah — Following one of the deadliest avalanches in state history, Salt Lake County warned of dangerous conditions ahead of an approaching winter storm.
The National Weather Service issued a Winter Storm Warning starting Friday through the weekend with large amounts of snow expected for Utah's northern mountains.
WATCH: 2020-21 winter season a deadly one for Utah with six killed so far
In multiple tweets posted Thursday, Salt Lake County implored those who intend to venture into the backcountry this weekend to be cautious.
"Heavy snow may overload weak snow layers causing the snow to be unstable. Human triggered and natural avalanches will be likely and can be up to 5 feet deep, several hundred feet wide and likely unsurvivable. Stay out of and out from under slopes steeper than 30 degrees," one of the tweets warned.
WATCH: Friends remember local skiers killed in Millcreek backcountry slide
The tweets come days after four skiers were killed in an avalanche Saturday in Millcreek Canyon. Four others were rescued from the area after they were able to dig out from the snow.
Backcountry travelers should consult @UACwasatch, https://t.co/C6kLV6x4vw, UAC Phone App or call 1-888-999-4019 for more detailed information. #WinterSafety #WinterStorm
— Salt Lake County (@SLCoGov) February 11, 2021
(3/3)
That same day, snowmobilers running in the Moffit Basin of the Uintas Mountains shared video of an avalanche that partially buried four of the riders. All of the snowmobilers survived the avalanche.
The Salt Lake City office of the National Weather Service says snowfall this weekend will be "measured in feet in the mountains."
READ: Community event planned to honor Millcreek Canyon avalanche victims
Officials have issued winter weather advisories and Winter Storm Warnings in Beaver, Box Elder, Carbon, Duchesne, Emery and Juab counties.
