Cache County Brothers Survive Christmas Eve Avalanche
Cache County experienced a nail-biting experience this Christmas Eve when two brothers faced what the Utah Avalanche Center described as a “large avalanche” while enjoying snowmobiling in the beautiful Franklin Basin area of Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest. Let’s dive into this close call that reminds us all about the unpredictable nature of winter sports.
A Hair-Raising Ride
Picture this: a chilly Christmas Eve, the mountains blanketed in white, and two brothers ready to enjoy an exhilarating day. Everything seemed perfect until the terrain began to show signs of danger. According to an initial accident report, one brother was observing his sibling as he gracefully rode across a steep bowl beneath towering cliffs in Steep Hollow. Suddenly, the ground below them started to ripple! This alarming sight caught the attention of the rider who quickly maneuvered off the north flank of the oncoming avalanche.
The Avalanche Strikes
Not so fortunate, however, was the brother who was standing by. He was hit by a powerful slide, described as being around 500 feet wide and 2 feet deep, which swept him away approximately 150 yards and buried him completely under the snow. It was a dire moment, but he wasn’t alone. Fortunately, his brother quickly took action to locate him.
Emergency Response
Utilizing his transceiver, the brother began searching for his sibling, ultimately spotting “a couple fingers of a gloved hand sticking out of the snow.” With determination and urgency, he managed to dig him out, revealing that he had sustained only minor injuries. Remarkably, both brothers made it out of the backcountry safe and sound, but this was certainly a wake-up call for everyone about the risks involved in winter sports!
Avalanche Danger Alert
More Than Just Sledding Risks
Upcoming Storms and Alert
Stay Safe Out There!
With the surge in snow comes an ominous rise in avalanche danger in northern Utah’s mountains. This heavy snow and drifting could easily overload slopes that are already compromised by weak layers and poor snow structure, so caution is absolutely vital. For those still itching to ride, the forecasters suggest heading towards smooth meadows and grassy low-angle slopes in sheltered terrain to enjoy the powder without the panic.
This Christmas Eve incident serves as a thrilling reminder of the natural forces at play in the snowy outdoors. Whether you’re on a snowmobile or testing your luck fishing, staying informed and cautious is essential for safe winter adventures. Enjoy the snow, but always remember to check conditions and stay safe!
Author: STAFF HERE MYRTLE BEACH
The HERE Myrtle Beach Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Myrtle Beach community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background Local Roots in Myrtle Beach Our team includes lifelong Myrtle Beach residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent developments along the Grand Strand, Myrtle Beach’s tourism and hospitality industry, and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Coastal Carolina University programs). Collective Experience With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
