Second avalanche in Big Cottonwood Canyon on Saturday leaves man injured
Feb 21, 2026, 7:19 PM
A 40-year-old man was caught and carried by an avalanche in Big Cottonwood Canyon, hours after another avalanche occurred in the same canyon. (Salt Lake County Sheriff's Office)
(Salt Lake County Sheriff's Office)
SALT LAKE CITY — Just hours after an avalanche in Big Cottonwood Canyon left two men injured on Saturday, a second, unrelated avalanche left another man with non-life threatening injuries.
According to the Salt Lake County Sheriff’s Office, at approximately 2:45 p.m., a 40-year-old man was backcountry skiing with a group near Days Fork in Big Cottonwood Canyon.
While the man was with his group, he was caught and carried by an avalanche. He sustained non-life threatening injuries.
Rescue personnel were able to evacuate him from the area.
The Salt Lake County Sheriff’s Office issued a reminder to backcountry skiers that conditions could change rapidly and become dangerous with little warning.
The office gave multiple suggestions to help keep backcountry skiers safe:
- Do not travel alone.
- Share the route they take and return time with someone they trust.
- Carry avalanche safety gear, including a beacon, shovel and probe.
- Bring extra warm clothing, food, water, medical supplies, fire-starting materials and reliable communication devices.
- Ensure backcountry skiers have the knowledge and training to recognize avalanche terrain and make informed decisions.
The office also suggested reviewing the daily avalanche forecast provided by the Utah Avalanche Center.
