2 snowmobilers die in Utah avalanche

PROVIDENCE, Utah, Dec. 24 (UPI) -- An avalanche in Utah Wednesday overtook two experienced mountain snowmobilers, killing the longtime friends, authorities said.

The deadly snow slide occurred near Logan Peak in northern Utah's Cache County, reported the Salt Lake Tribune, which identified the victims as Jesse Johnson, 23, of Hyrum and Erik Jorgensen, 22, of Paradise.

The avalanche occurred in a popular open, snowy bowl called the Rodeo Grounds.

The Utah Avalanche Center said it advises against back country travel in central to northern Utah, noting there is considerable to high danger of avalanches statewide.