North America's Second Avalanche Death This Past Weekend In Utah


Tragedy befell the backcountry of Park City, Utah as an avalanche in the Dutch Draw area claimed the life of a man who would be the second avalanche related fatality in North America for the current season.

A Map Of The Area - Credit: UAC
This past Sunday, December15, Raymond Tauszik, a 45-year-old chef from Salt Lake City, had left Canyons Village at Park City through the backcountry exit gate at the top of the 9,990' lift to head into Dutch Draw. Unfortunately, during his time snowboarding in the area, he triggered the avalanche that he would get caught up in and was killed. 

A group of snowboarders later came across Tauszik's equipment and realized there was a person buried in the snow. That group was able to dig Tauszik out of the avalanche and begin life-saving procedures. However, it was not enough and Tauszik was later pronounced dead at the hospital.

On the day of the accident, the Utah Avalanche Center posted a forecast that stated "A CONSIDERABLE DANGER exists on many mid and upper elevation slopes. The danger is most pronounced on steep northwest to easterly facing terrain at the mid and upper elevations. In this terrain, human triggered slides may step down 3-4' deep and hundreds of feet wide. This terrain is to be avoided."

Raymond "Matt" Tauszik was the executive chef for Marriot Salt Lake City University Park. Condolences and well wishes are being sent to the family and friends of Tauszik.

Photo Credit: Utah Avalanche Center

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