Heli-Skier Partially Buried & Injured in Large Avalanche Near Snowbird, UT Today

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Photo of the avalanche today. photo: utah avy center
Photo of the avalanche today. photo: utah avy center

A 22-year-old heli-skier was caught in an avalanche and injured while skiing the Holy Toledo run in Big Cottonwood Canyon, Utah today.  This run is across the street from Snowbird ski resort and just on the other side of the ridge running down into Big Cottonwood Canyon.

According to Snowbird spokesman, Brian Brown, the avalanche victim was part of a Wasatch Powderbird Guides trip.

The UAC reports that the avalanche wsa 3-5′ deep and 150′ wide.

image: uac
image: uac

The victim was partially buried by the avalanche up to his chest, injured, rescued by his guides, and taken to the hospital.

“Skier caught, carried, partially buried with injuries in large avalanche in Holy Toledo. Steep northwest slope at 10,200′ in Cardiff, BCC.” – Utah Avalanche Center, today via twitter

Authorities claim he was complaining of leg and back pain after the avalanche.  He is expected to make a full recovery.

Map showing location of avalanche. image: uac
Map showing location of avalanche. image: uac

The injured skier was transported by Powderbird helicopter to Snowbird before being taken to the hospital in Salt Lake City.

Avalanche danger was rated as “Considerable” today where and when the avalanche occurred.  “Considerable” is the avalanche rating most people die under.

A skier died in an avalanche on nearby Gobblers Knob this past Thursday.

Avy rating for Cottonwood Canyons today from the UAC.
Avy rating for Cottonwood Canyons today from the UAC.

 


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5 thoughts on “Heli-Skier Partially Buried & Injured in Large Avalanche Near Snowbird, UT Today

  1. Guide used to be a word that inspired me with confidence, like a Chamonix Mountain Guide. Now the word is being dragged through the mud on a weekly basis and has lost most of it’s meaning.

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