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SEARCH AND RESCUE • Search crews from Emery County search for a missing skier caught in an avalanche January 18. Inset, Lucy, search dog, alerted to the spot where Michael Besendorfer of Nephi was buried in the snow. Photos courtesy of Emery County Sheriff’s Office

Saturday, January 19, 2019, search crews recovered the body of the Nephi City skier who was buried by an avalanche Friday afternoon in a remote area north of Electric Lake in Emery County.

The victim was identified as 26-year-old Michael Besendorfer of Nephi, Utah, according to the Emery County Sheriff’s Office press release.

Crews conducted an initial search Friday night, but conditions were deemed too dangerous and the search was suspended at midnight.

The search by ground and air resumed Saturday morning after UDOT crews blasted some unstable slopes in the search area.

According to the report, “Utah Avalanche Center monitored conditions as searchers were inserted by air, on snowmobiles, timber sleds, snow cats, skis and snowshoes.”

A search dog and handler were flown in, and teams from Alta Ski Area and Wasatch Back Country Rescue responded to offer their expertise.

Besendorfer was located around noon after the search dog, Lucy, indicated on an area.

Wasatch Back Country Rescuers positively located Besendrofer based on Lucy’s indication and recovery efforts began.

“I would like to extend a huge thanks to all agencies involved in this search. It was a combined effort by Emery County Sheriff Search and Rescue, Sanpete County Search and Rescue, Utah DPS helicopter crew, Utah State Parks, UDOT, Forest Service, Utah Avalanche Center, Wasatch Back County Rescue and Alta Ski Area,” said Emery County Sheriff Greg Funk. “Conditions were difficult and ECSO is grateful for the safety of all involved in the search and recovery effort. Our sincere condolences are extended to the Besendorfer family during this difficult time.”

“Two men were skiing in the area yesterday in the late afternoon,” said the release. “When one man failed to complete a run, the other hiked back up to look for him and discovered an avalanche. After a quick search of the surface, he went for help.”

Searchers arrived on scene around 8 p.m.

A forecaster from the Utah Avalanche Center arrived to assess avalanche danger.

The release said that due to darkness and inability to assess stability of the area, ground search was limited Friday night.

“However, the Utah DPS helicopter conducted a search from the air with spotlights,” said the release.

Around midnight, a decision was made to regroup Saturday morning and continue the search.

UDOT was on scene Saturday with explosives to take care of some unstable areas.

SR264 and SR31 were not impacted by search activities.