A hiker died after being struck by lightning toward the summit of American Fork Twin Peaks near Little Cottonwood Canyon in Utah on Saturday, July 18th.
According to the Salt Lake County Sheriff’s Office, search and rescue teams were activated around 12.22pm after receiving reports that an individual had been struck by lightning near the summit of the east peak of Twin Peaks. The search and rescue operation lasted about two hours as rescuers worked in difficult weather conditions.
A Utah Department of Public Safety helicopter responded to the scene and quickly located the victim from the air. Rescue crews waited until the thunderstorm had cleared before they could safely reach the patient. Once conditions improved, search and rescue personnel and the helicopter crew were able to access and recover the individual.
Despite the rapid response, the victim did not survive.
The Salt Lake County Sheriff’s Office thanked Snowbird Ski Patrol for assisting with the safe escort of the victim’s hiking partner off the mountain. The agency also recognized the Department of Public Safety for its aviation support throughout the rescue effort.
Our deepest condolences are with the friends, family, and loved ones of the deceased at this time.
Why lightning is so dangerous in the mountains
The fatal incident serves as another reminder that lightning is one of the greatest weather hazards for hikers, climbers, and other outdoor recreators during the summer months. High elevation terrain often experiences thunderstorms that can develop rapidly, leaving people exposed above treeline with little opportunity to find shelter.
According to the National Weather Service, every thunderstorm produces lightning. A storm does not have to be directly overhead for a lightning strike to occur. Lightning can strike several miles away from the rain shaft and often reaches areas where skies may still appear partly sunny.
Mountain peaks, ridgelines, and exposed alpine terrain are among the most dangerous places to be during a thunderstorm. Hikers who hear thunder should immediately move away from exposed high ground and seek a substantial building or a fully enclosed vehicle if one is available. Small shelters, open pavilions, tents, and isolated trees do not provide adequate protection.
Summer storms demand careful planning
Afternoon thunderstorms are common across mountain ranges throughout the United States during the summer. Experienced hikers often begin their trips before sunrise so they can return below treeline before storms become more likely later in the day.
Checking the weather forecast before heading into the backcountry is an important part of trip planning. Conditions can change quickly, especially in mountainous terrain where storms can build with little warning. If thunder is heard, the safest decision is to turn around or seek lower terrain rather than continue toward an exposed summit.
As millions of people head into the mountains during the peak hiking season, understanding lightning risk and making conservative decisions is vital to safety.