Utah Avalanche Heart (UAC) need the pair of skiers they’re trying to trace right down to know they aren’t in bother. The slide path was found by a member of UAC and a Brighton Resort ski patroller. UAC studies the slide occurred on the northwest slope of Hidden Canyon within the backcountry close to Brighton, simply north of the highest of the Nice Western chairlift and was seemingly attributable to resort company who ducked a boundary rope.
The avalanche was 200 toes huge, 3 toes deep, and carried the skiers 600 toes down slope. The investigation revealed two burial holes, one with blood. Probe marks had been discovered within the particles indicating that at the very least one individual was utterly buried. Blood was additionally discovered on the scene indicating somebody was injured.
“It seems that two riders had been caught and carried in a big avalanche right this moment (1/3) within the backcountry close to Brighton Ski Resort. They seemingly exited the ski space by ducking a closure rope and triggered the avalanche themselves. The slide carried them roughly 600 toes downslope. One rider was reportedly partially buried, whereas the opposite could have been totally buried. As a result of the avalanche was not formally reported, actual particulars stay unknown.” -Utah Avalanche Heart
UAC added the next warning concerning the risks touring exterior ski space boundaries:
“When you duck ropes or journey past ski space boundaries, you might be getting into the backcountry, the place harmful avalanche situations could exist,” they wrote in an Instagram submit. “Ski space closures and limits are in place in your security—please respect them. Notably, Utah leads the nation in avalanche fatalities involving individuals who exited ski areas and didn’t return dwelling.” -Utah Avalanche Heart
This avalanche was spied by Brighton Snow Security Malia Bowman and UAC forecaster Drew Hardesty Saturday early afternoon whereas investigating one other skier triggered slide in HIdden Canyon (INFO) from Friday Jan 2. Little or no is thought about this avalanche thus far, besides that Malia and co-worker Max McNeil (patrol director) investigated the particles and located two burial holes, one with blood. It’s doable that the 2 had been caught, carried 500′ and partially buried. The slide is estimated 2-4′ deep and 200′ huge, working 600′ down the slope on a northwest dealing with slope at 10,500′.
When Max and Malia investigated the particles pile, they discovered two burial holes within the snow, with probe marks…indicating that at the very least one individual was utterly buried.
We hope to be taught extra data.
I used to be out with UAC forecaster Drew Hardesty investigating the avalanche that was reported yesterday (1/2/26). Discovered it, and continued to a greater view level of the bowl to see if we may nonetheless see the crown from a unique avalanche in the identical space that occurred on Wed 12/31. I seen a big avalanche to the speedy lookers left of the 12/31 avalanche. A Brighton snow security group went to examine the positioning. We went in excessive to examine the crown, however there’s an excessive amount of hold hearth to soundly are available from the highest. Close to the toe, we discovered apparent indicators of two individuals concerned, noting with probe holes and proof of restoration and damage.
This avalanche was unreported. If anybody has any details about this incident, please attain out to Brighton patrol. YOU ARE NOT IN TROUBLE. Reporting avalanches close to ski resort boundaries is essential for rescue operations.
Avalanche Accident Report: Hidden Canyon:
Observer Identify M. Bowman
Statement Date Saturday, January 3, 2026
Avalanche Date Saturday, January 3, 2026
Area Salt Lake » Huge Cottonwood Canyon » Hidden Canyon
Location Identify or Route Hidden Canyon
Elevation 10,200′
Facet Northwest
Slope Angle Unknown
Set off Skier
Set off: Further Data Unintentionally Triggered
Avalanche Sort Onerous Slab
Avalanche Downside Persistent Weak Layer
Weak Layer Sides
Depth 3′
Width 200′
Vertical 600′
Caught 2
Carried 2
Buried – Partly 1
Buried – Totally 1
Injured 1
