WEATHER

Two snowmobilers stranded overnight in Cache County backcountry

Feb 11, 2021, 9:45 AM

CACHE COUNTY, Utah — Two snowmobilers in Cache County lived to tell the tale of their adventure after a wrong turn left them stuck overnight in the backcountry.

Two snowmobilers go looking for shelter

The stranded riders were originally part of a group of three, before losing one member of the group. 

The incident happened earlier this week near the Hardware Ranch Wildlife Management Area on the southeast end of Cache County.

The individuals tell KSL-TV they are veteran riders, but decided to explore a new area in a basin. Upon entering the basin, they realized they could not drive back out.

“Somehow they ended up in a buckskin drainage area, which is not a place you want to go for snow machining,” said Lieutenant Doyle Peck with the Cache County Sheriff’s Office. “It’s basically a chute, for lack of a better word, where the walls, as you go further down, they begin to close in until at the very bottom there is no outlet.”

Lieutenant Peck says the two men trudged through deep snow for about a mile until they found a cabin where they were able to dry off and spend the night. Despite the hike only being roughly a mile, it reportedly took the two men four or five hours due to the thick cover.

According to KSL-TV, one rider believes they would have frozen to death had they not discovered the cabin.

Rescue volunteers stay the night

Eventually, three Cache County Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue volunteers also had to leave their snowmobiles behind.

Those three rescuers later caught up with the two men at the same cabin and stayed overnight.

A 14-member rescue crew was out later to help pull the snowmobiles.

Cache County deputies say the owner of the cabin leaves his door unlocked just in case someone becomes stranded and needs help.

Read more: 

We want to hear from you.

Have a story idea or tip? Send it to the KSL NewsRadio team here.

Weather

FILE: Joana Abeel holds her daughter, Penelope Abeel, at the Draper City Splash Pad during a heat w...

Alexandrea Bonillla and Simone Seikaly

Above-normal temperatures expected for Utah summer

Summer weather predictions point to a La Niña weather pattern which will bring warm temperatures and dry conditions to Utah.

23 hours ago

Weed block is used as a landscaping and xeriscaping project is installed in Layton on Thursday, Jun...

Allessandra Harris Gurr

Landscaping projects picking up pace as weather gets warmer

Jeff Mott, owner of Mott's Landscaping, said people often start big landscaping projects in the summertime. 

4 days ago

A car is filled at a gas pump in Sandy on Tuesday, March 19, 2024. Hurricane season could affect ga...

Britt Johnson

Hurricane season could mean bad news for Utah gas prices

Hurricane season is expected to be intense this year, and while none of them should hit Utah rising gas prices probably will. 

5 days ago

snowpack...

Alexandrea Bonilla

Utah storm adding to snowpack that melted over weekend

A storm passing through Utah will increase the snowpack that melted this weekend when the sun came out in force.

8 days ago

Valley Rain and mountain snow...

Adam Small

Utah getting big delivery of valley rain, mountain snow Monday

Utah will see valley rain and mountain snow throughout Monday with temperatures in the 40s and 50s.

8 days ago

sunshine on cherry blossoms shown, april temperatures will be a little higher this year...

Clayre Scott

Salt Lake City hit the 80s, ties date’s record high temperature

The last time it was this warm on April 12 in Salt Lake was in 1936.

11 days ago

Sponsored Articles

Young couple hugging while a realtor in a suit hands them keys in a new home...

Utah Association of Realtors

Buying a home this spring? Avoid these 5 costly pitfalls

By avoiding these pitfalls when buying a home this spring, you can ensure your investment will be long-lasting and secure.

a person dressed up as a nordic viking in a dragon boat resembling the bear lake monster...

Bear Lake Convention and Visitors Bureau

The Legend of the Bear Lake Monster

The Bear Lake monster has captivated people in the region for centuries, with tales that range from the believable to the bizarre.

...

Live Nation Concerts

All the artists coming to Utah First Credit Union Amphitheatre (formerly USANA Amp) this summer

Summer concerts are more than just entertainment; they’re a celebration of life, love, and connection.

Mother and cute toddler child in a little fancy wooden cottage, reading a book, drinking tea and en...

Visit Bear Lake

How to find the best winter lodging in Bear Lake, Utah

Winter lodging in Bear Lake can be more limited than in the summer, but with some careful planning you can easily book your next winter trip.

Happy family in winter clothing at the ski resort, winter time, watching at mountains in front of t...

Visit Bear Lake

Ski more for less: Affordable ski resorts near Bear Lake, Utah

Plan your perfect ski getaway in Bear Lake this winter, with pristine slopes, affordable tickets, and breathtaking scenery.

front of the Butch Cassidy museum with a man in a cowboy hat standing in the doorway...

Bear Lake Convention and Visitors Bureau

Looking Back: The History of Bear Lake

The history of Bear Lake is full of fascinating stories. At over 250,000 years old, the lake has seen generations of people visit its shores.

Two snowmobilers stranded overnight in Cache County backcountry