WEATHER STORIES
The Standard, Ogden City,
Utah
Wednesday
Morning, January 4,
1888.
Fatal
Snowslide
James Baxter Swept To His Death By
An Avalanche.
Descret News,
3d.
On Sunday morning, near Park
City, a snowslide occurred which has probably cost James Baxter his
life. John Madden and Mr. Baxter were on their way to the
Rochester mine, and as they were about to cross a gully, Madden looked
up the hill at the snow and remarked to his companion that it appeared
to be dangerous. He asked Baxter to remain where he was while he
(Madden) went on ahead. The latter hastened forward and had just
got safely out of the way when a mass of snow about one hundred feet in
width started down the mountain side. Its velocity rapidly
increased and Madden, glancing along the path he had just traveled, was
horrified to see that Baxter had followed him, and was directly in the
path of the avalanche as it came down with a terrific roar. The
unfortunate man realized his danger when it was too late, and shouting
goodbye to his companion, was swept out of sight.
Mr. Madden hastened for
assistance, and about twenty men were collected and went to the
scene. Up to this morning they searched and dug in vain for
Baxter. Today five of the relieving party came into Park City and
took back a supply of provisions. The men will remain at work until the
body is found, for there is no hope that Mr. Baxter will be taken out of
the snow alive. The heavy snowstorm in the Park materially retards
the work.
Transcribed by Nancy Piper
