Two riders caught in avalanche in backcountry near Brighton Ski Resort Saturday

Jan 3, 2026, 8:46 PM

Two individuals were caught in an avalanche on Jan 3, 2026. (Utah Avalanche Center)

(Utah Avalanche Center)

KSLNewsRadio

SALT LAKE CITY — The Utah Avalanche Center warned riders about the dangers of avalanches after two individuals skied off trail at Brighton Ski Resort and triggered an avalanche.

According to the Utah Avalanche Center, the slide carried both riders approximately 600 feet downslope, partially burying one and potentially completely burying the other.

The avalanche was not officially reported, though photos showcase the aftermath of the slide.

A line of snow in the center of a clearing shows the upper edge of an avalanche that appears to have caught two individuals on Jan 3, 2026. (Utah Avalanche Center)

A statement from the center warned riders, “If you duck ropes or travel beyond ski area boundaries, you are entering the backcountry, where dangerous avalanche conditions may exist. Ski area closures and boundaries are in place for your safety—please respect them.”

Five people were killed in avalanches during the 2024-2025 season, the highest number since 2021.

We want to hear from you.

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

Environment

A "no fireworks" sign is pictured near Popperton Park in Salt Lake city on June 25. Cities througho...

Kennedy Camarena, KSL

Where you can and can’t light personal fireworks this Pioneer Day

Utah Governor Spencer Cox has issued a "hybrid fireworks policy" for the Fourth of July. Here's what that means for your city.

15 hours ago

Hannah Freeze speaks during a press conference about new water shares for Great Salt Lake at Memory...

Carter Williams, KSL

Cox appoints new Great Salt Lake commissioner as lake continues to slide

Gov. Spencer Cox has named Hannah Freeze as the state's new Great Salt Lake commissioner, replacing Brian Steed, who stepped down earlier this year. Freeze was named deputy commissioner of the state office last year.

19 hours ago

A section of state Route 153 in Beaver Canyon is washed out. Utah Department of Transportation offi...

Becky Bruce

Emergency declared in portions of Utah after wildfires, flooding in three counties

Declaring an emergency after the flooding and wildfires that struck Beaver, Piute and Sevier counties allows the state to devote more resources to recovery.

20 hours ago

After the loss of homes and businesses to wildfire, residents near the Cottonwood Fire in Utah had ...

Eric Cabrera

Disaster recovery expert explains why flooding after the Cottonwood Fire creates new challenges in Beaver County

After the loss of homes and businesses to wildfire, residents near the Cottonwood Fire in Utah had another disaster to avert: flash flooding and debris flows.

2 days ago

Asay Martinis and Ben Floyd walk at the Great Salt Lake in Salt Lake City on Thursday, June 4, 2026...

Adam Small

Great Salt Lake hits lowest level in more than 3 years, but managers say conservation is paying off

At the time of publication, the south arm of Great Salt Lake sat at 4,190.9 feet above sea level. That's less than a foot above the lake's low point in 2021.

2 days ago

A firefighter works to protect a structure near the Babylon Fire in San Juan County on June 27. U.S...

Carter Williams, KSL

Forest Service determines what sparked Utah’s largest fire so far this year

On Tuesday the US Forest Service said the Babylon Fire within the Manti-La Sal National Forest was caused by lightning on June 25; however, smoke wasn't noticed until a day later.

2 days ago

Road trip ready: How Bear Lake became the go-to destination for Western U.S. travelers

Whether you are chasing pristine beaches, fresh raspberry shakes, or endless water sports, this sponsored guide—brought to you in partnership with Bear Lake —uncovers everything you need to plan the ultimate getaway. There’s nothing quite like the thrill of hopping in the car with your favorite snacks in tow and heading out for a […]

Harper Clinic

A new standard of care: How Harper Clinic’s IOP is changing the face of mental health treatment in Utah

This article is sponsored by Harper Clinic, a Utah-based clinic offering FDA-approved TMS therapy for treatment-resistant depression. Utah’s mental health crisis is leaving many residents caught in an uncomfortable middle ground: struggling too much for weekly therapy alone, but unable to step away from work, parenting or daily life for inpatient treatment. As demand […]

Harper Clinic

Breaking free from depression: How Harper Clinic’s TMS Therapy can help

This article is sponsored by Harper Clinic, a Utah-based clinic offering FDA-approved TMS therapy for treatment-resistant depression. The weight of depression is real. Many people spend years fighting it, adjusting medications, managing side effects and wondering if this is simply how life is going to feel. According to the World Health Organization, depression affects […]

Andrew Adams, KSL

Library discussions bring men’s mental health to the surface

Therapists say it’s common for men to repress things like trauma, grief, stress and anxiety. Now, a new weekly series of discussions aims to help men bring it all to the surface.

Bear Lake Convention & Visitors Bureau

Cozy up in Bear Lake: Discover the magic of a winter getaway

SALT LAKE CITY – The holiday season shines brightest when time slows down and loved ones gather. Gifts, decorations and festive music come and go, but shared experiences tend to last much longer. Research supports that idea. Dr. Theresa E. DiDonato told Psychology Today that vacations can strengthen relationships by creating meaningful time away from daily […]

Harper Clinic

Rewriting the path to healing: Inside Harper Clinic’s whole-person mental health model

OREM — A few decades ago, you’d have had a hard time finding a doctor to treat both your mind and body; And a century ago, you’d have been hard-pressed to find a doctor to treat your mind at all. Today, medical professionals are understanding more and more the undeniable connection between the body and […]

Two riders caught in avalanche in backcountry near Brighton Ski Resort Saturday

We want to hear from you.

Environment

Sponsored Articles