Officials warn of avalanche risk in Utah mountains

SALT LAKE CITY (AP) - Officials say the avalanche risk is high in the mountains of northern and central Utah thanks to heavy snow and strong winds.

The Utah Avalanche Center says their warning takes effect 2 p.m. Wednesday and runs through Thursday.

They say traveling in the backcountry is not recommended.

The warning doesn't apply to ski areas where crews conduct avalanche control.

The Avalanche Center is a partnership between the U.S. Forest Service and other state and local agencies.

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