Under Utah Criminal Code 76-6-105, causing widespread damage to other people or property through the use of a weapon of mass destruction or other harmful force is considered a criminal offense. This can also include explosions, fires, floods, avalanches, collapse of a building, or other destructive forces. The classification for these offenses is as follows:
- 1st degree felony if the violator caused the catastrophe intentionally with the use of a weapon of mass destruction
- 2nd degree felony if the person knowingly caused the catastrophe through a method aside from a weapon of mass destruction
- Class A misdemeanor if the catastrophe was caused through recklessness
In addition to criminal penalties, a convicted individual may also be ordered by the court to pay all expenses incurred as a result of the catastrophe.