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 BIRMINGHAM WRITER
The BIRMINGHAM STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBirmingham.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Birmingham, Jefferson County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Sidewalk Film Festival, Sloss Music & Arts Festival, Magic City Classic, and civil rights commemorations. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Birmingham Business Alliance and the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, plus leading businesses in healthcare, finance, and manufacturing that power the local economy such as UAB Medicine, Regions Bank, and Encompass Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREHuntsville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Alabama's dynamic landscape.
