A Close Call in Big Cottonwood: Another Avalanche Injures Skier Amidst High Danger

Oh boy, you know, it feels like we just can't catch a break when it comes to avalanche news lately, especially in our beautiful Wasatch Front. Just this past Monday, our emergency crews were called out to Big Cottonwood Canyon once again, this time for a skier who got caught in an avalanche. Thankfully, and I mean thankfully, this story has a much brighter outcome than some we've heard recently, with the individual surviving, albeit with injuries.

The incident, which unfolded on Monday, February 19th, involved a skier in the Grizzly Gulch area, a spot many locals are familiar with. It appears this individual, unfortunately, triggered the slide themselves. Imagine that moment – one minute you’re enjoying the fresh powder, the next the very ground beneath you gives way. They were caught up in the moving snow, partially buried, which is always a terrifying scenario, to say the least.

What really stands out here, and frankly, is a testament to preparedness and quick thinking, is that their companions were right there. They managed to dig their friend out from the snow, a truly critical intervention that absolutely made all the difference. Following the rescue, the injured skier was then transported to Intermountain Medical Center for treatment. Details on the extent of their injuries haven't been widely shared, but we can only hope for a swift and full recovery.

This latest incident, of course, comes on the heels of a particularly dangerous period for our mountains. The Utah Avalanche Center had rated the danger as "considerable" for all aspects and elevations on Monday, and for good reason. We’ve seen a pretty substantial amount of new snow, with some areas reporting between one to two feet just recently. That fresh powder, while incredibly inviting for skiers and snowboarders, often sits precariously on older, weaker snow layers, creating a recipe for instability.

It's also impossible to talk about this without a heavy heart, remembering the fatal avalanche that claimed the life of another skier just a few weeks prior, on January 27th, in the very same canyon, specifically in the Millicent Bowl area. These back-to-back incidents really drive home the unpredictable and powerful nature of our mountains, even for those who are experienced and cautious. It’s a stark, somber reminder for everyone venturing into the backcountry to be incredibly vigilant, check the avalanche forecast religiously, and always carry the proper safety gear – and, perhaps most importantly, know how to use it. Our mountains are stunning, yes, but they demand our utmost respect and caution.