A dangerous turn in the Franklin Basin

A Utah snowmobiling trip turned into a harrowing rescue on Christmas Eve when one brother triggered a massive avalanche, burying the other under heavy snow. The incident occurred in the Franklin Basin area of the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest, according to the Utah Avalanche Center’s initial accident report.

The pair had been navigating the slopes when one brother, attempting a maneuver known as “side-hilling” beneath a cliff band in Steep Hollow, caused the slope to give way. The snowmobilist escaped the cascading snow by riding off the north flank, but his brother—standing below next to his sled—was caught in the avalanche’s force.

Buried under 150 yards of snow

The avalanche swept the man approximately 150 yards down the slope and buried him completely beneath the snow. Only a gloved hand poking out from the surface provided a clue to his location. Acting quickly, the unburied brother used a transceiver to locate and dig him out.

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According to the Utah Avalanche Center’s report, the buried man sustained only minor injuries, and both were able to ride to safety.

A warning from experts

“This was a very, very lucky Christmas Eve,” stated Jennifer Jenkins of the Utah Avalanche Center. She cautioned that similar avalanche conditions are prevalent in the region and warned outdoor enthusiasts to exercise caution in the coming days, as the risk is expected to rise across the mountains of northern Utah and southeast Idaho.

Staying prepared in avalanche-prone areas

The incident highlights the importance of safety measures in avalanche-prone regions. Experts recommend that snowmobilers and skiers carry essential safety equipment, such as transceivers, probes, and shovels, and take avalanche safety training courses before venturing into backcountry areas.

“Nature’s power is awe-inspiring, but preparation and vigilance can mean the difference between life and death,” Jenkins emphasized.

The rescue underscores the dangers of enjoying winter sports in avalanche-prone terrain and serves as a reminder to always be prepared for the unexpected.