UTAH

One skier partially buried in Big Cottonwood Canyon avalanche, report says

Jan 15, 2025, 8:00 AM

A map of Big Cottonwood Canyon shows the location of a Jan,. 12, 2025 avalanche....

A screenshot of a map on Utah Avalanche Center's website shows the location of an avalanche that partially buried one skier on Jan. 12, 2025.

SALT LAKE CITY — On Jan. 12, one skier was caught and partially buried by an avalanche in Big Cottonwood Canyon. 

According to an observation published on the Utah Avalanche Center’s website, the avalanche was triggered on the north aspect of Butler Basin. When it was triggered, a party of three skiers was traveling down the slope. 

As the third skier descended, he unintentionally triggered an avalanche. The report said it was about 30 feet from the highest point of the mountain, often referred to as the crown. 

The skier was carried, becoming partially buried with his head and arm remaining exposed. He was not injured. 

Per UAC, the Big Cottonwood Canyon avalanche was a soft slab avalanche. It was reported to be three feet deep and 200 feet wide. 

Persistent weak layer continues impacting avalanche danger

A persistent weak layer was identified as the avalanche problem in the Jan. 12 slide. It continued to be the number one problem across Utah in Jan. 14 forecasts. 

The National Avalanche Center explained that avalanche problems refer to the description of hazards within terrain. Forecasters use the information when they develop reports. 

Across the state, the Jan. 14 forecast was moderate. 

“Cautious route finding and conservative decision making are essential,” read UAC’s Salt Lake area forecast. Similar messages appeared on forecasts for other areas. 

For daily forecasts, visit Utah Avalanche Center’s website. 

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One skier partially buried in Big Cottonwood Canyon avalanche, report says